Photo by Hord Coplan Macht

Podium and wrapper buildings are growing in popularity, driven by consumers’ ongoing interest in urban living. The two housing types are especially appealing to 50+ buyers, who see these types of buildings as cost-effective, convenient and safe housing options. 

According to a recent report published by the award-winning, Baltimore-based architectural and design firm Hord Coplan Macht, successful design solutions in dense urban environments include creating retail, restaurant and/or residential units at the street level scale and residential units at the upper levels. This mitigates the impact of parking for these mixed-use buildings on the urban scene. Depending on each project’s challenges and opportunities, these buildings can be designed as podium buildings, wrapper buildings or a combination of both. Properly designed, these mixed-use developments maximize the density of the site and encourage the active, pedestrian environment for a successful urban project. 

Podium and wrapper buildings are most economical when built as a four-story building, using type VA wood-framed construction, either above the podium or wrapping the parking garage. The report also recognizes the feasibility of using type IIIA construction, which allows a five-story building in lieu of the four-story building in type VA construction. Requiring noncombustible or fire-retardant treated wood exterior walls, type IIIA construction permits affordable wood-frame interiors as well as additional stories and building height. This provides a cost-effective option for higher density and creates a cost savings that can be passed along to buyers, making podium and wrapper buildings very attractive to 50+ buyers. 

“Podium buildings allow the most economical construction for multifamily products right now,” said John Rhoad, managing partner of Northern Virginia-based RMJ Development Group. “They work well for both new development and redevelopment. Because of their human-scaled architecture, they support smart growth without overwhelming a community.” Among RMJ’s podium projects is The Evergreens at Columbia Town Center in Columbia, Md., a luxury apartment community for active adults designed by Hord Coplan Macht and completed in 2005. 

Along with being a cost-effective option, podium and wrapper buildings provide active adults with a greater convenience. Residents have access to various entertainment options. Retail and restaurants can be located on the first floor, providing 50+ residents with a place to spend time and interact with the community without having to travel long distances. Additionally, these building types are typically located near or in a town center, within easy walking distance to arts and cultural events, shopping and restaurants.   

Podium and wrapper buildings provide residents with covered, safe and secure parking that increases security.  This is a great convenience for 50+ buyers. Depending on the layout of the building, residents are able to park underground, get on an elevator and go directly to their apartment or park on the same level as their apartment and go directly to their hallway.  The benefits of hassle-free parking in an urban setting are highly appealing to active adults and provide freedom to this rapidly growing demographic.   

Editor’s Note: Hord Coplan Macht’s report, Design Strategies for Podium and Wrapper Buildings, outlines provisions in the International Building Code that facilitate the design and construction of podiums and wrappers. Featuring diagrams and photos, the report also addresses technical considerations.

Scot Foster, AIA, is a senior associate for Hord Coplan Macht (HCM), an award-winning architectural and design firm based in Baltimore, Md. HCM provides a wide range of services, including planning, site evaluation and selection, master planning, architecture, landscape architecture, streetscape and urban design and much more. The firm has won numerous awards, including the Best of 50+ Housing Awards. Foster can be reached by e-mail or at 410-837-7311. [Return to top]