Apartment clubhouses priority for renters

No one quite knows how to party like Las Vegans. The city that reigns as king of nightclubs doesn't leave it all on the Strip. Apartment hunters report that clubhouses — the main gathering place in a complex — are key to their home life as well.

Nearly 58 percent of Las Vegas apartment residents told the National Multifamily Housing Council that party rooms and lounge areas were a priority in their lifestyle, and Las Vegas doesn't disappoint.

Depending on the party, one of two features tend to take center stage: the television or the kitchen. And Las Vegas apartment complexes don't disappoint in either arena.

Lyric in Silverado Ranch touts theater seating in its media room, while Vantage Lofts in Henderson proudly proclaims it has an 80-inch high-definition TV with recliners in its clubhouse. But there's still gotta be a place to make the popcorn. Vantage doesn't stop at the large screen. It went big with a gourmet kitchen that residents can access through the clubhouse as well.

Constellation, Downtown Summerlin's first residential neighborhood, is expected to open this summer and will feature a clubhouse with upscale amenities including a high-end workout studio, tanning lounge, aesthetician treatment room, spa and resort-style pool.

"Constellation is a new concept in multifamily living with amenities extending beyond the clubhouse to include benefits like a concierge and an on-call masseuse. The clubhouse amenities are just part of the luxury lifestyle offered at this development," said Eric Cohen, managing partner of the Calida Group, who is developing the complex.

It's not all play in Sin City. According to NMHC, 53 percent of Las Vegas-area apartment residents care about a business center, and 35 percent stressed the importance of a meeting space.

Vantage Lofts in Henderson works to attract those renters with an e-lounge with free Wi-Fi and coffee bar in a comfortable clubhouse in their modern complex overlooking the city.

Lyric in Silverado Ranch complements its business center, free WI-Fi and well-stocked library with a coffee bar serving Starbucks. And if the free Wi-Fi isn't fast-paced enough, you can join in a group aerobics class at the clubhouse.

But, don't gloss over the importance of a good coffee. Armed with a Flavia machine, The Clubs at Rhodes Ranch boasts a great business center fully equipped with computers, Wi-Fi and meeting rooms for clients.

"Most of our residents use the clubhouse for their business needs," Kameron Lum said.

While they sport just as many of the fun, fancy and free amenities as the other luxury apartments — lounge with comfortable seating and televisions as well as a pool table — he said there are a few residents who use the billiard table, but it's a rare sighting.

But maybe that's because many of the residents take advantage of the free movie rentals in the clubhouse — and those comfortable chairs.