Cramped for Space? Here's How to Make Your Multifamily Model Unit Do Double Duty as a Leasing Office Too!

When space is tight, why not let your model unit multitask as both a leasing office and a showpiece for prospective tenants? It's a creative twist that’s ideal? No, but totally doable. In fact, we recently completed such a project in Ohio, where we turned spatial challenges into opportunities and made an impressive and functional leasing-office-meets-model-unit. Here’s how we did it and some of the pros and cons of combining these two essential spaces.

In the heart of the Buckeye State, we took a typical living room and integrated a desking area without sacrificing that “welcome home” vibe. By carefully choosing furniture with a dual function and placing the desk thoughtfully within the living room, we created a space where leasing agents could work efficiently without making it look like an office had taken over.

The dining area, too, was transformed with the addition of a built-in desk, allowing for extra workspace. And here’s the key—we kept everything open, polished, and multifunctional. This layout allowed the model unit to remain the focal point, but it delivered the functionality of a leasing office that could handle walk-ins, conversations, and day-to-day tasks.

What do you need to consider if you are thinking about this option for multifamily asset?

The Pros of a Combo Model-Leasing Office

1. Maximizes Use of Space: If you’re managing a smaller property, dedicating one space to serve both purposes saves you square footage and provides flexibility to adapt in the future.
2. Gives Tenants a Real Feel: Prospects can immediately see themselves living in the unit. They don’t just walk through a model; they feel what daily life there might be like, right down to where the paperwork happens.
3. Cost Savings: It’s efficient! Instead of funding and maintaining two separate spaces, your investment is centralized, which keeps budget needs lower and maintenance more manageable.

The Cons (Because Yes, There Are a Few!)

1. Privacy and Noise Issues: Leasing agents may find it challenging to hold private conversations in a space where tenants are walking in and out. Scheduling becomes key!
2. Reduced Model Appeal: While creative desking solutions can look chic, they can also take up space that would otherwise showcase the unit’s original layout. It requires design finesse to keep the look appealing. In the project below, you will see the dining room was sacrificed.
3. Limited Space for Leasing Activities: If leasing tasks require lots of paperwork, filing, or private conversations, it may be a bit challenging to accomplish that smoothly in a mixed-use space.

While blending your model unit with a leasing office might not be your first choice, it's a savvy solution when space is at a premium. As certified architectural and building color consultants, we at Color Works, we’re all about designing to make the most of what you have. Reach out today to see how we can bring creative, functional design to your multifamily and commercial spaces!

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