By Dan Thies, Sansone Group We are more than halfway through the year and the multifamily market in the St. Louis metropolitan area continues to grow. As of the first quarter, there were 5,112 multifamily units under construction in the metropolitan area. So far, the rise in interest rates and the increase in construction costs has not dampened the enthusiasm of investors and developers for constructing new units in this market. Vacancy rates continue to stay low and lease rates continue to increase. As long as these market conditions continue, developers are going to bring new units to market. The new units being built will reflect new design features, which many developers are implementing in their communities. One of the many design trends taking place across the country and in the St. Louis area addresses the rise in the older population becoming renters. Many members of the baby boomer generation are looking to sell their suburban homes to downsize into smaller, more practical spaces. Their children have moved out of the home, and they no longer need all the space or maintenance of a home. They want to pull the equity out of their home and place it in a …
