Setting the Standard: Modera Clarendon’s Path to PACE Award Excellence
How do you avoid drowning in a sea of perceived sameness in a hyper-competitive market? You differentiate by delivering exceptional resident experiences and services. That’s the secret sauce of Modera Clarendon and a primary reason why the community was honored with a 2024 Property Management Association Apartment Community Excellence Award. The PACE Awards honor apartment communities for their management excellence and ability to deliver compelling and superior resident experiences.
Modera Clarendon began leasing in 2023 and achieved almost full occupancy a year later. The lease-up exceeded the expected timeline due to a combination of its location, distinctive design, service quality and amenities. “Our community is in the heart of the Clarendon neighborhood,” said Community Manager Morgan Miller. “We are a seven-minute walk to two different Metro stations, and our community was designed with Mother Nature and the health and well-being of our residents in mind.”
Modera Clarendon features a commitment to biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements normally associated with the outdoors into indoor spaces such as wood, stone, natural light, water features and plants and green spaces to promote health and well-being. Research confirms that exposure to natural elements in indoor spaces can significantly reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Natural light, plants and nature views improve moods and regulate circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are the body’s natural 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep, wakefulness and various physiological processes. Circadian systems aim to mimic the natural light patterns of the sun, thereby enhancing resident health, alertness and productivity.
The biophilic design elements at Modera Clarendon includes an abundance of plants, a courtyard with a stunning fountain, outdoor movie and entertainment area, outdoor green space, digital art and an abundance of natural light. Interior lighting is programmed to automatically adjust to the natural light in the building, and the indoor amenity space is flooded with natural light during the day. Modera Clarendon residents enjoy a state-of-the art fitness center with a yoga and Pilates studio, indoor clubhouse, chef-inspired demonstration kitchen and lounge, game room with billiards, coworking pods and coworking spaces, hotel-inspired lobby with coffee bar, pet spa for the four-legged residents and a lending library stocked with tools, equipment and books. Works of art from local artists line common area lobbies, amenity spaces and hallways to create a unique ambience.
Modera Clarendon’s commitment to resident health and well-being and the natural environment is further evidenced by the LEED silver designation and an energy management system that constantly tracks consumption and adjusts automatically to maximize savings opportunities.
The attention to detail paid to common areas extends to the individual homes that feature gourmet kitchens and quartz countertops, Energy-Star stainless steel appliances, separate dining areas, spacious bedrooms with large closets, oversized windows for natural light, in-home full-sized washers and dryers, smart home systems that include Ecobee thermostats and keyless entry, wood plank-style flooring, 9- to 10-foot ceilings and private balconies or patios.
Residents enjoy multiple community-sponsored events monthly, ranging from partnerships with local restaurants to catered events at the community featuring celebrity chefs and holiday celebrations. There are also educational offerings that include updates from the Arlington Transportation Partners to help ensure residents are aware of new route changes and how to take advantage of public transportation offerings.
“Our core values as a company, the trust and faith residents have in the management team and the commitment to resident satisfaction are the three pillars responsible for our awards and top survey scores,” claims Morgan Miller. In recent surveys, Modera Clarendon ranked sixth out of 95 communities in Q2 across the Mill Creek portfolio for overall customer experience.
Modera Clarendon stands as a testament to what modern apartment living can achieve when thoughtful design meets exceptional service. By seamlessly integrating biophilic design principles with cutting-edge amenities and a genuine commitment to resident service, the community is setting the standard for luxury living in Arlington's competitive market. The community’s rapid lease-up success, high occupancy rate and prestigious PACE Award recognition reflect more than just market appeal—they demonstrate the tangible value of investing in resident experiences that prioritize both physical comfort and health and well-being.