Multi-Family Case Study

Permian Plaza: Multi-Family Property Transformation

See how this apartment complex reduced costs by 75% and increased occupancy rates with strategic turf installation

Project Overview

LocationMidland, TX - Downtown District
Installation DateAugust 2023
Project Size22,000 sq ft across 8 buildings
Investment$77,000

Key Results

75%Cost Reduction
15%Occupancy Increase
$12,000Monthly Revenue
94%Satisfaction Rate

The Challenge

Permian Plaza Apartments, a 156-unit complex in downtown Midland, was struggling to compete with newer properties while managing escalating maintenance costs.

Unsustainable Water Costs

With multiple courtyards and common areas totaling 22,000 sq ft, monthly water bills exceeded $5,500 during summer. Stage 4 restrictions made it impossible to maintain attractive grounds, hurting curb appeal.

Declining Occupancy

As newer complexes opened with modern amenities, occupancy dropped to 82%. Dead grass and brown patches made the property look dated and poorly maintained, despite significant investment in other upgrades.

Maintenance Complexity

Eight separate buildings with individual courtyards required coordinated maintenance schedules. The landscaping crew of 3 full-time employees couldn't keep up with mowing, irrigation repairs, and replanting.

Pet Area Problems

Designated pet areas were constantly damaged, creating bare dirt patches that turned to mud. Pet owners complained about tracking dirt into apartments, while non-pet residents complained about the unsightly areas.

"We were caught in a terrible cycle. Spend more on water and watch it evaporate, or let the grass die and watch residents leave. Either way, we were losing money."

- Robert Chen, Regional Manager, LMB Properties

The Solution

We developed a comprehensive renovation plan that transformed Permian Plaza into a modern, water-smart community that attracts premium residents.

01

Strategic Area Selection

We identified high-impact zones: building entrances, pool areas, central courtyards, and pet relief stations. By focusing on these 22,000 sq ft, we maximized visual impact while controlling costs.

02

Premium Residential Turf

Selected a luxury residential product with varied blade heights and realistic color variations. The soft feel and natural appearance elevated the property's perceived value immediately.

03

Amenity Enhancement

Created dedicated pet areas with antimicrobial turf and superior drainage. Added putting greens near the pool and decorative rock gardens to create Instagram-worthy spaces that residents love.

04

Phased Installation

Completed one building at a time over 3 weeks, allowing residents to see the transformation progress. This built excitement and minimized disruption while generating positive word-of-mouth.

The Results

The transformation repositioned Permian Plaza as a premium property, delivering immediate financial returns and long-term value creation.

Immediate Cost Savings

Water Bill Reduction$5,500/mo
Landscape Labor-$4,200/mo
Annual Savings$116,400
Payback Period8 months
5-Year Savings$582,000
Property Value+12%

Occupancy & Revenue Growth

  • Occupancy increased from 82% to 97% within 90 days
  • Average rent increased by $50/unit without resistance
  • Pet deposits increased 40% with new premium pet areas
  • Total monthly revenue increase: $12,000

Resident Satisfaction

Post-installation surveys revealed dramatic improvements:

  • 94% satisfaction with property grounds (up from 61%)
  • 87% would recommend to friends (up from 52%)
  • 92% of pet owners "very satisfied" with pet areas
  • Online reviews improved from 3.2 to 4.6 stars

Operational Benefits

  • Reduced landscape staff from 3 to 1 part-time employee
  • Eliminated all irrigation system maintenance
  • Zero landscape-related resident complaints
  • Property manager saves 10+ hours weekly on landscape issues

"The turf completely changed our property's trajectory. We went from struggling to maintain 82% occupancy to having a waiting list. The ROI was incredible, but the operational simplicity is priceless."

- Robert Chen, Regional Manager

Property Management Perspective

"As a regional manager overseeing 12 properties, Permian Plaza was my biggest headache. The landscaping alone consumed 20% of my time - dealing with contractors, resident complaints, and constant irrigation issues.

When we installed artificial turf, everything changed overnight. Not only did we eliminate the maintenance nightmare, but the property transformed into one of our top performers. We're now at 97% occupancy with the highest resident satisfaction scores in our portfolio.

The financial impact was immediate - we're saving nearly $10,000 monthly while generating an extra $12,000 in revenue. But beyond the numbers, I've reclaimed countless hours to focus on actual property improvements instead of fighting a losing battle with dead grass.

We're now planning turf installations at three more properties. In this market, with these water costs, it's not just smart - it's essential."

Robert ChenRegional Manager, LMB Properties

Transform Your Multi-Family Property

Like Permian Plaza, your apartment complex can reduce costs, increase occupancy, and delight residents with beautiful, maintenance-free grounds. Let us show you the possibilities.

Property Manager Hotline: (432) 555-0100