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Design & construction solutions for successful multifamily construction

With a portfolio spanning all project types, ARCO National Construction is one of the largest and most experienced multifamily construction companies in the nation. By prioritizing the preconstruction process, ARCO mitigates risk and ensures successful outcomes for multifamily owners, operators, and developers. Our collaborative approach ensures that multifamily facilities are delivered on time and on budget, regardless of project type or complexity.

135

Multifamily Facility Projects Constructed

20

Million Square Feet of Multifamily Projects Completed

Expertise from a leading multifamily contractor

ARCO’s experience and knowledge gained from constructing thousands of multifamily units in our 30+ year history is unmatched. The expertise of our staff, unmatched industry experience, and ability to provide the best overall solutions are what make ARCO a leading multifamily contractor and trusted partner on projects across the U.S.

SUPERIOR INDUSTRY EXPERTISE

From garden-style apartments to mixed-use facilities, high density mid-rises, senior living, and student housing, ARCO is expertly capable of providing the very best multifamily design and construction solutions.

  • Garden-Style Apartments
  • Senior Living
  • Independent/Assisted Living
  • Affordable Housing
  • Mixed-Use Facilities
  • Student Housing
  • High Density Mid-Rises
  • HUD Financed Projects
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Contact Us - Multifamily

The construction of the project was a success by all measures. It finished ahead of our schedule, and it finished within our budget. The team identified and addressed issues during construction and kept the ownership and operations team always informed.

Jed MomotNorthPoint Development

Multifamily Design & Construction Considerations

Multifamily construction is notoriously complex due to the potential for constraints on capital and schedule. Therefore, there are many design and construction details that must be considered to achieve a successful development. Structural systems, code requirements, efficiency, and site selection are all elements that should be explored in the earliest stages of a project to ensure the most functional and cost-effective facility. Partnering with an experienced contractor that is actively engaged throughout the design and beginning stages of a project will ensure that the very best design and construction decisions are made, resulting in a superior finished product and the very best customer experience.

MULTIFAMILY DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Structural Systems

Choosing a structural system for a multifamily construction project is largely determined by building codes, unit mix, and established parameters. Design considerations when choosing a structural system include the distance from property lines and adjacent structures, as well as the allowable building height and number of stories. There are limitations to these structural systems, and often, many systems are used concurrently to complete the overall facility structure. For example, wood/stick frame structures have 3- to 5-story limits. Therefore, an 8-story facility may utilize 3 stories of post tensioned concrete podiums with 5 stories of wood/stick frame. Cold-formed steel can go as high as 16 stories, while hollow core plank can reach up to 20 stories, and cast-in place structures can reach as high as desired. Conceptual designs should be developed to work within the building and zoning codes as well as the restrictions of the structural system itself, all while keeping overall costs in mind.

MULTIFAMILY DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Facility Efficiency

One of the most important considerations when it comes to multifamily design and construction is facility efficiency. In a typical multifamily facility, amenities are offered in singular common spaces, maximizing unit space and overall efficiency. The proper rentable space ratios and balance of amenities to justify the necessary rent rates are factors that should be considered in the design phase of a project. Engaging a specialized contractor early in the process to collaborate with the design team and simultaneously estimate construction costs can help make the most of a space while being sensitive to the overall development budget.

MULTIFAMILY DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Site Selection

Beyond location benefits, site selection is a vital component of multifamily construction because of the potentially significant impacts on overall development proforma. Site selection can become even more vital for projects in urban areas where walkability is a priority. Working with a contractor that offers value-added site selection services will allow an owner or developer to make the most informed decisions regarding the cost of land development and how to offset it in other areas if need be.

MULTIFAMILY DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Design Coordination

In multifamily construction, a non-collaborative design and construction process can make it especially difficult to achieve facility layouts that fulfill user demands and satisfy proforma requirements. If drawings are first designed without a focus on maximizing building efficiency or without the input of the contractor, time can be lost going through the bidding process for a building layout that doesn’t have enough rentable space to meet the development budget. Partnering with a multifamily contractor that is involved in the design phase of a project ensures that construction costs are determined as early as possible, allowing for value-engineering and adjustments to be made before large design dollars are spent.