High Expectations: 7 luxury amenities redefining high-rise condos

When it comes to residential living in luxury communities, homeowners are looking for properties to push the envelope regarding innovation, luxury, and convenience. This is evident in metropolitan high-rise properties catering to an affluent demographic through unique amenities and elevated service offerings.

Even though many upscale communities provide amenities such as spas, wellness programs, pet grooming stations, and Olympic-size pools, a few are raising the bar to provide one-of-a-kind experiences.

Below are examples of luxury amenities available in covetable high-rise condominiums across the United States.

1. Green acres with a penthouse view

   

   A first-of-its-kind elevated Eden awaits you at Arthaus Condominiums, one of Philadelphia’s most sought-after luxury addresses in the arts district. Green is the theme of this rooftop oasis of lawns, trees, planting beds, a dog park, and North America’s first-ever commercial greenhouse and residents-only community garden in a high-rise.
    
   Built for wellness and well-being, this sanctuary in the sky also features a glass-enclosed 75-foot lap pool/whirlpool and sundeck. There are saunas and steam rooms to detoxify and unwind, a fitness center to push your physical boundaries, and a salon for rejuvenating treatments. Grilling kitchens with terrace seating and a cozy fire pit give a quaint backyard feel to this sumptuous retreat, and there are even private events and workspaces for every family milestone and work occasion.
    

2. An exclusive sky park in the heart of Los Angeles

   While some may boast about their community pool or indoor tennis court, very few can invite you to their sky park. Second on our impressive list of luxury amenities is a high-rise community consisting of one of three residential towers encompassing an entire city block in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles called Metropolis II.
   
   This towering property prides itself on being a city within a city, bringing together a Californian resort lifestyle with the fast-paced energy of downtown. Residents enjoy over 83,000 square feet of seamless indoor-outdoor comforts to find respite from the hustle and bustle below.
   
   The most notable one is a 1.5-acre sky park, an unprecedented feature functioning as the social epicenter of the property. Residents can enjoy expansive spaces to gather and entertain, plus more intimate settings to work, dine, and unwind.



3. A modern use for a room with a history

   Staying on the west coast, our next luxury amenities highlight is one with a historical origin. Located in San Diego, California, the Electra Condos are the city’s tallest residential building, with 248 residences rising 43 stories above San Diego Bay.
   
   The project was built on what was once a San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) facility circa 1911, and the Electra name was derived from this origin. The facade of the SDG&E building was restored to its grand splendor, and the original windows are now the windows of the lower-floor Electra condos and townhomes.
   
   But the most remarkable aspect of its heritage is the massive atrium located within. The original sub-station facility was converted into an atrium with 60-foot ceilings, and it now serves as the most elegant community recreation room in any building in downtown San Diego. The conservatory [IB1] [DD2] is available for both private and community social gatherings.



4. A wine-tasting vault of one’s own

   

   Next on our list is another high-rise offering extensive in-house luxury amenities, staff, and services to elevate its residents’ experience. The luxury residences are located at 53 West 53, Jean Nouvel’s architectural wonder in Midtown Manhattan, with interiors by Thierry Despont. Residents enjoy unparalleled views of Central Park from the property's double-height lounge and private dining room.
   
   In addition to the lounge, state-of-the-art theater, and 15,000-square-foot Wellness Center, 53 West 53 offers a wine-tasting room. Owners can also purchase their own private temperature-controlled wine vaults. For wine connoisseurs, the ability to bridge the gap between the vineyards and the city is a dream come true.



5. Take five in the rehearsal room

   Amsterdam in New York City don’t have to leave the front lobby to have a music space all to themselves.  
   
   Inspired by its proximity to Lincoln Center, this luxury building brings the musical arts home. With the children’s playroom fittingly called the Little Composers Room and decorated with musical motifs throughout, it’s no wonder there’s also a soundproofed rehearsal room available to residents.
   
   This room fuses together classical influences and a modern sensibility with access to state-of-the-art instruments such as an electric drum set, piano, and speaker so residents can easily bring their musical inspirations to life.



6. A walk in your private park

   Steeped in history stretching back to the early 1900s, Tribune Tower Residences flawlessly mixes a heritage of majestic architecture with contemporary luxury to suit the tastes of today. Acquired in 2016 by CIM & Golub, the original home to the Chicago Tribune was beautifully transformed into a distinctive and elegant luxury residence.
   
   Opening its doors to new residents in 2021, the community provides unparalleled lifestyle offerings with over 55,000 square feet of luxury amenities space on four levels. While you may be distracted by the 75-foot indoor lap pool with the backdrop of the Chicago Tribune sign, there’s no competition for the nearly 1/3-acre private park within, providing residents of Tribune Tower a fresh take on an urban oasis.



7. A well-appointed suite for guests

   

   If you’ve ever had family members flying in last minute, then you know the hassle of locating last-minute hotel rooms. Yet, for those living at the Residences at Park District, this is now a thing of the past.
   
   Located between Uptown and Downtown Dallas, at iconic Klyde Warren Park, the Residences at Park District reflects modern living at its finest. With best-in-class design, luxurious finishes, and amenity spaces paired with unmatched skyline views, this property offers the ultimate lifestyle in Dallas’ most desirable location. And now, your family and guests can enjoy it as well.
   
   Amidst the list of elevated amenity offerings, the one that takes the cake is the furnished one-bedroom and bath guest suites available to owners to reserve. Significantly less than the average price of a hotel room, residents now have the peace of mind and convenience of having their guests close by.

That “it” factor

In order for these communities to bring their vision to life, it takes the support of a professional management company working behind the scenes to create an experience like no other for residents. It takes exceptional service-minded individuals and extensive industry resources to simplify property operations to support an elevated lifestyle for residents.

All of these unique properties share one factor: they partner with FirstService Residential to execute their vision.

FirstService Residential is simplifying property management. Its hospitality-minded teams serve residential communities across the United States and Canada. The organization partners with boards, owners, and developers in an effort to enhance the value of every property and the life of every resident.

Leveraging unique expertise and scale, FirstService serves its clients with proven solutions and a service-first philosophy. Residents can count on 24/7 customer care and tailored lifestyle programming, amenity activation, and technology for their community’s specific needs. Market-leading programs with FirstService Financial and FirstService Energy deliver additional levels of support.

Boards and developers select FirstService Residential to realize their vision and drive positive change in the communities in their trusted care.

FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ and TSX: FSV), a North American leader in providing essential property services to a wide range of residential and commercial clients.