Transform Your Multi-Family Development with Large-Scale Murals & Creative Wayfinding
It seems like the housing market has been in constant flux over the last few years. During COVID, we saw rents drop (or at least not increase), and home rates reached a new low. Properties were being sold and bought like crazy for a short time, but as the world opened back up again and the world started to settle into its new “normal,” the real estate frenzy tapered off and the market started to slow down again.
For better or worse, I noticed development companies start buying up homes at these low rates and start putting up large, managed buildings full of new condos. In transient cities where people are always moving in and out, the demand for more housing is growing. What’s also growing (according to my realtor friend in Boston), is buyer skepticism - and a more discerning eye for aesthetic.
As a millennial, I can tell you that many of my friends who were renting five years are reaching the age where they are starting to buy homes - and they want their space to *feel* good. The post-COVID era changed a lot of things about life in America, and something I’ve noticed on a macro level is that people are staying home and hosting friends in their living rooms a lot more frequently today than they were pre-COVID. More time spent in their private space = a much higher interest in home aesthetics (I know you’ve all seen the DIY home reno TikToks that make up my FYP). Home buyers today want their spaces to feel like a direct reflection of who they are, and they want to enjoy the experience of living in their home - for both themselves and their visitors.
All of this brings me to the topic of this blog post: In today’s competitive real estate market, multi-family developers are constantly searching for ways to make their projects stand out. Out with the 60’s-era concrete lobbies, and in with eye-catching amenities and a welcoming apartment building! Every detail matters. If you’re a developer or work for a commercial real estate company, what’s one of the most powerful (and often underutilized) tools in your toolkit? Well, based on the conversations I’ve been having with my own mural clients, it’s strategic, large-scale artwork—including murals, custom signage, and placemaking installations.
A snippet of a parking garage mural we did for an Anaheim apartment complex.
At Pandr, we specialize in helping developers, architects, construction firms, and interior designers transform blank walls and overlooked spaces into high-impact, community-building features. We've had the opportunity to work on several large-scale projects across the country, and we’re passionate about creating art that adds long-term value to both your property and the people who call it home.
Why Art & Design Matter in Multi-Family Developments
Like I said: it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about experience. Gen Z and millennial renters are looking for more than just a place to live. Another realtor friend on the East Coast told me that one of her millennial clients recently found a condo that checked every box on her wish list, but that her client ultimately passed on it because she felt the lobby and hallways of the complex were too dark and lacked any sort of character. The anecdotes are out there: Buyers today want lifestyle. They want community. And they want Instagram-worthy, personalized spaces that feel intentional.
As a developer, investing in murals and graphics helps you:
Increase lease-up velocity by creating a strong first impression
Boost tenant retention through thoughtful placemaking
Differentiate your development from the competition
Enhance brand perception for both the building and your company
The world we live in today is highly emotional, and the way a space makes someone feel is having an impact on buyer and renter’s decisions to make home offers or put in an application for a lease.
A logo mural by Pandr for The Sophia at Mt. Helix apartment complex in Spring Valley, CA.
Smart Ways Developers Can Use Murals & Graphics
At Pandr, we are very intentional about customizing every design to reflect a client’s personality or goals for a mural. Sure, we have a distinct look that is recognizable when you line up our work side by side, but we try to make every mural feel more “them” than “us.” We collaborate with developers and their teams in creative, strategic ways—always working within budgets and timelines to maximize visual impact. And at this point in our business, we’ve worked with enough of them and have the data points to see what has worked in commercial spaces and multi-family developments, and what hasn’t.
Here are a few of the high-impact spaces where murals and graphics make all the difference:
1. Parking Garage Wayfinding
Gone are the days of dark, forgettable garages. No one wants to be alone in a parking garage that just feels… blah (the girls know what I’m saying). Custom wayfinding murals not only help residents and guests navigate the space easily (who remembers that iconic parking garage episode of Seinfeld?!), but they also introduce branded moments that can extend your identity from the moment someone enters the property. Having wayfinding murals that are cohesive with your building’s identity helps make the entire experience feel more intentional and cared for - good vibes from the very first foot in the door.
2. Beautifying Eyesores
Have a concrete wall that faces apartment windows? A blank retaining wall in the courtyard? An underwhelming dog park? These are opportunities—not problems. No one wants to move to New York City just to look out of their living room window at a concrete slab - there’s enough of that to see just walking around the city. We specialize in turning architectural challenges into vibrant, visually appealing features that enhance the daily experience for your tenants, and make the idea of that interior, low-visibility unit much more palatable. Do a Google or Instagram search for urban art in apartment buildings - you’ll see what a difference a pop of color can make.
And don’t knock the dog park comment - millennials these days are having children later than ever before, but their commitment to their animals is strong! An aesthetically pleasing and functional dog area in any building is going to be a strong sell for these pet-parents.
3. Community-Driven Amenity Spaces
Murals can infuse personality and warmth into your lobby, roof deck, gym, lounge, or leasing office. These are the spaces where community is built, and art helps reinforce that message. So many people are “hybrid” workers these days. If they can’t afford a condo with extra office space, they are surely going to consider what the other options in the building look like for a possible “work from home” space. Think beyond paint—incorporate dimensional elements, patterns, typography, or even interactive components.
Bike parking signage in a parking garage. By Pandr.
4. Standing Out in a Crowded Market
If you're developing in a city full of new builds, you know the competition is fierce. What’s going to help you stand out from all the other developers also doing high quality work with modern finishes, some just around the corner from you? A custom mural or branded art moment gives your project an edge in listings, leasing tours, and on social media. It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s a marketing tool. Leverage the murals to tease your new development as progress on it continues, and get people intrigued and interested in what the final look and feel of the building will be in a way that resonates with nearly everyone these days - photos and reels. You may be surprised about how many pre-finish contracts you sign if people get the sense that your new development or multi-family home is going to be popular and different.
Who We Work With
Every project is different, and we’re used to plugging in wherever it makes sense.
We regularly collaborate with:
Developers looking to add creative value to their portfolio
Architects in the early stages of space planning
Construction companies during punch list or finish stages
Interior design firms who need muralists or large-scale artists to complete their vision
We understand construction schedules, coordination with trades, and the importance of hitting deadlines. Plus - we never slack on having great insurance coverage! Whether you're planning early or have a surprise blank wall that needs a solution—we’ve got you covered.
Project Highlights
Interested in a mural or hand-painted signage for your latest commercial real estate venture or multi-family building, but still unsure how it could work or how exactly it could add value to the space? Check out some of our past development projects to start brainstorming and get some inspiration.
Shea Homes Spec House
Client: Shea Homes
Location: San Diego, CA
Scope: Two murals (20’ x 14’) and two vinyl installations (25’ x 10’ & 35’ x 13’)
Shea Homes, a family-owned company since 1881, approached us to design and install vibrant murals and vinyls for their spec houses in a new San Diego neighborhood. The goal was to attract young families by creating a lively, oasis-like atmosphere that stood out from typical neutral palettes. Despite working from renderings before construction was complete, we developed colorful, geometric designs that transformed blank walls into eye-catching features. The project not only enhanced the community's aesthetic appeal but also demonstrated the power of art in placemaking.
Stableside at Falcon Landing
Client: NewQuest Properties
Location: Katy, TX
Scope: Twelve indoor murals across two corridors
In a feat of focused discipline and efficiency, we completed twelve murals in just 5 days for the Stableside at Falcon Landing shopping center. Spanning two separate corridors, these murals transformed bland beige walls into vibrant, playful artworks that draw visitors into the center. Our designs aimed to create a family-friendly atmosphere, aligning with Katy's demographic of young families attracted by its award-winning schools. The murals have since become a focal point, enhancing the shopping experience and fostering a sense of community.
Explore this project further.
Lorien Apartment Exterior
Client: Lorien Apartments
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Scope: Exterior Wall 20’ x 15’
This wall near one of the entrances of the Lorien Apartment complex in Santa Clara, CA was just begging to be turned into something eye-catching! Two days and a lot of muted tones perfectly matched the vibes of the complex, while completely changing the feel of this doorway for the better.
Let’s Build Something Bold
If you’re working on a new development or nearing the finish line on a build, let’s talk about how strategic artwork can add real value to your project. We’re always excited to collaborate on large-scale projects that bring creativity, vibrancy, and identity to multi-family and commercial spaces. Whether you just want to pick our brains or are ready to make a one-time investment that will pay off for years to come, give us a shout and let’s chat!