Residents of Orion in Manhattan enjoying the free breakfast and Starbucks.

The NY Times remarks on the phenomenon of chummy condo communities. The latest crop of new buildings are featuring more and more amenities that are geared towards getting residents to be friends. More than just a lounge space with a big tv and a pool table, there are free breakfasts, organized sports, book clubs, play groups for kids, etc. In a cosmo city where most residents have perfected their 30-yard stare, it is unusual enough that its worth remarking on. As the article noted, there is also an element of self-selection going on – people interested in hanging out with their neighbors are more interested in the amenity heavy buildings.

Of course, whether the residents and amenities all click together is a complicated alchemy. We're hoping to foster an energetic community at Washington Mills. Since the project will be the first residential conversion to open in the mill district, it is likely to create that sense that everyone is in on it together, the revitalization of the neighborhood. If Washington Mills can sustain an active and creative community, then it will surely benefit the projects that come after – create that much more momentum that will flow through the neighborhood.