Article

Kiosks offer a new lease on apartment life

An innovative pairing between two kiosk companies and a manager of multi-family dwellings helps would-be tenants choose their new home after hours.

September 23, 2004 by

Continental Properties is a privately held company dedicated to the development and ownership of apartment, retail, and corporate properties throughout the United States. The company's nationally branded apartments, known as the Springs, offer residents apartment living at its best. For example, The Springs at Orange Park, located in southwestern Jacksonville, Fla., is a gated community adjacent to one of the area's premier golf facilities. Apartment living includes ground-level, private entries; a resort-style pool; planned activities; and a 24-hour fitness facility.

Finding suitable tenants should be easy enough. But busy would-be-renters aren't always able to view the units during regular business hours, and that means missed opportunities when apartment-hunters swing and the office lights are out. Continental Properties wanted to increase its ability to make its case, and decided the best route was to provide in-depth information to these after-hours prospective tenants using more than just colorful brochures. The company wanted a media-rich solution that was simple and easy to use at The Springs at Orange Park. Enter the kiosk and D2 Sales LLC.

Sandy Nix, owner of D2 Sales, said her company joined the kiosk project thanks to Nanonation, which had developed the kiosk software. D2 Sales is a kiosk design and manufacturing firm specializing in brand-focused, custom-designed enclosures. The company worked directly with Continental Properties management, its on-site construction company, and Nanonation to develop, build and install the kiosk. The result, according to Nix, is "a compelling kiosk that complimented the custom content and was consistent with the architecture and design of the leasing facility building."

The unit includes a purpose-built CPU, speakers, and a NEMA-rated, high-brightness monitor (1,500-plus nit) with a touchscreen overlay. The kiosk resembles an ATM in that the front side of the kiosk is mounted into the outside wall of the apartment leasing center. The kiosk's access panel is accessible from inside the leasing center office. D2 fabricated the kiosk enclosure from heavy gauge steel, sealing it against damage from weather and vandals.

The ruggedized Continental kiosk is set up like a through-the-wall ATM, with maintenance access inside the leasing office.

So what can a would-be renter learn about The Springs at Orange Park by using the kiosk? The custom content features tours of the facility, floor plans, and tenant testimonials, in addition to general information and services. The kiosk also includes a brochure holder for take-along, printed information. Prospective renters can also complete note cards requesting information and drop them into the adjacent mail slot.

The sales cycle for the pilot kiosk was about four months. Bill Verdien, head of technology for D2, installed the first kiosk. Future installations, at new facilities and retrofits in existing leasing offices in Florida and Texas, will be done by Continental Properties in-house construction crew, using an installation instruction sheet prepared by D2.

According to John Allain, director of marketing for Continental Properties, users have been flocking to the kiosk since its July 2004 debut. As a result, the leasing office staff has to be extra diligent in keeping the kiosk stocked with promotional materials.

"Use of the kiosk has been very strong," said Allain. "There have been instances where visitors are lined up waiting to use the kiosk."

The kiosk also has helped the leasing staff become more efficient. It "has helped to improve the way in which our leasing staff are able to show the property to guests," Allain said. "First, if it's raining-or a furnished model isn't available-they'll often use the kiosk to give guests a quick look at the unit they're interested in. Second, when it's busy and guests are waiting to be assisted, they'll often use the kiosk to allow guests to take a quick tour while they wait."

Thanks to the combined efforts of D2 and Nanonation, this apartment leasing kiosk has found its home sweet home.