A Resident-Centric Clubhouse That Works Harder
A Resident-Centric Clubhouse That Works Harder
A thoughtfully designed clubhouse that elevates amenities to support rapid lease-up and resident engagement within a suburban multifamily community.
Category
Location
Westerville, Ohio
Community Context
Multifamily | Clubhouse & Amenity Space Design
Year
2021
The Vision
Draw residents into the clubhouse by creating spaces that feel both elevated and livable.
Crimson’s design for the clubhouse was rooted in the idea that amenity spaces should feel like destinations — places residents want to use, return to, and enjoy sharing with friends and neighbors. The clubhouse needed to support a range of social and functional activities while anchoring the community’s identity in a way that distinguishes it from other local rental options.
The Approach
Design intentional spaces — big on experience, smart in execution.
With a clear goal to activate the clubhouse, Crimson looked for ways to make every square foot matter. A standout move was rethinking the business center. Instead of a long desk array where users ended up staring at a blank wall, Crimson designed semi-private cubbies that offer designated workspaces while still feeling open to the larger clubroom. This not only improved function but sparked social interaction and comfort, a design choice that the developer adopted as a new standard for their properties.
The lobby space was also crafted with moments of impact in mind. A cloud mural anchors the back wall behind the leasing station, setting a tone of elevated warmth, while full-height bookcases filled with only cream and white books and accessories create stark, intentional contrast.
The Impact
Spaces designed to be used, not just looked at.
Once complete, the clubhouse delivered what the design intended: amenity spaces that feel special but accessible, elevated yet livable. The overall feel of the space was more refined than typical suburban clubhouse environments, thanks to the thoughtful use of color, finishes, and layout.
Baxter Park continues to compete well within its submarket — a community where residents enjoy not just the private residences, but the shared spaces that support connection, comfort, and everyday life.
Review sentiment highlights the community’s strong sense of community and proactive management, suggesting that the amenity experience is supported by resident satisfaction with staff and lifestyle offerings.
“This clubhouse was designed to be used — comfortable enough for everyday routines, vibrant enough for social gatherings, and full of details that make residents want to spend time here.”
Our Favorite Details
Design moves that make the clubhouse memorable and functional.
- Semi-Private Work Cubbies: Redesigned work spaces that feel open but purposeful, offering both privacy and connection.
- Grand Lobby Presence: The cloud mural and curated white bookcases make the lobby feel impactful and welcoming.
- Material Strategy: Bold use of color and finish supports an elevated feel suitable for the suburban market context.
- Programming Rhythm: Thoughtful adjacency of spaces allows casual lounging, work, and socializing to happen comfortably in one place.
Bold.
Unexpected.
Memorable.
Notes from the Design Team
This project was all about refining standard amenity typologies to better support resident behavior. The improved business cubbies are a great example because they came out of an early review of how residents actually use the space, rather than relying on a template solution.
Even small efforts, like sourcing cream-spined books for the lobby bookcases (which involved countless trips and a lot of online hunting), contributed to the overall elevated feel, showing how attention to detail matters even in areas residents might not consciously register.
Services Provided:
We are proud to say that this client has the pleasure of enjoying his unique space each and every day. (As do the sports cars!)
Project Partners:
Upholstery: Fortner Inc.
