The Modern: Taking Community Building to New Heights

Community is not just creating spaces where people can gather, it’s about building shared experiences and activating the spaces and neighborhoods we inhabit.

MSRE’s first multi-family project, The Modern, stands as a testament to MSRE’s unwavering mission – to create spaces that connect. The Modern is more than just high-end units; it’s a living tapestry woven with threads of connection, experience, and culture.

As one of the first of its kind, The Modern is a residential project that embraces the art of community programming to foster a vibrant and connected neighborhood. Our approach is more than just about creating spaces where people gather; it’s about crafting shared experiences that bring residents together regardless of if they’re a long-time local, or brand new to the city.

Residents at The Modern have a large selection of events catered exclusively to them. From sunset dinners in the penthouse catered by well-known local chefs, to sailing along the Puget Sound, group fitness classes, or cocktail parties provided by our in-house bar, residents have access to a community calendar full of unforgettable events. In this blog, we spoke with Director of Service, TJ Johnston and Miwa Fukumoto, Lifestyle Manager, to dive into all the things that make this project uniquely ours.

Having been on the project since its conception, TJ Johnston leads The Modern’s service, overseeing everything from concierge to resident lifestyle. TJ came to The Modern with a background in luxury hotels and restaurants. Most notably, TJ worked at Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel and Union Square prior to joining The Modern. Her experience in hospitality carries through to The Modern where she has the “ability to go above and beyond without bounds”.  When asked what sets The Modern apart from other communities, she explained that it’s not just about what we offer, but how we deliver.

Miwa Fukumoto joined The Modern in 2022 as our Lifestyle Coordinator. As the mastermind behind our resident experience, she oversees all things programming such as our Low Noon service, holiday parties, resident outings, and community partnerships. Her focus is to activate the spaces and bring people together, whether they’re a longtime local, or brand new to the area. In doing so, Miwa has successfully organized routine events surrounding wellness, food & beverage, seasonal celebrations, and community building. Below, we dive into some of our favorites.

Wellness

Each month, The Modern schedules a series of wellness activities including events such as sunset and sunrise yoga, sound healing, and cold plunges.

On top of our wellness events, The Modern also offers group fitness classes and personal training from our in-house fitness instructor Alexandra Anthony. Alexandra covers a variety of disciplines, but specializes in weightlifting and HIIT.

Food & Beverage

For our resident foodies, The Modern offers a variety of opportunities to connect with the local food scene. Our most talked about experience is the Supper Club which takes place in the penthouse. Each month during the winter, The Modern teams up with a local chef who provides a 5-course dinner and local wine pairings to residents and their guests. Most recently, The Modern partnered with Chef Thomas Cullen from Ethan Stowell and Chef Joshua Roshan from KAYO Sushi. Not only do these dinners offer a world-class dining experience, but they also create the opportunity to meet neighbors and build community while enjoying the views.

In addition to penthouse dining, The Modern offers residents a one-of-a-kind mixology experience from in-house bartender James Decker. Residents are invited to learn from one of the best and create some of their favorite craft cocktails served in the conservatory.

Additionally, The Modern offers a Low Noon service once per week. This includes coffee provided by Victrola and a specialty tea blend from Miro Tea crafted just for The Modern. This is a fan favorite and takes place on the 36^th floor loft to offer residents time to relax and connect.

Seasonal

The Modern makes no stops when it comes to celebrating the seasons. This year, we kicked off 2023 with our largest event yet. Taking place on the 35^th floor, The Modern hosted a New Year’s celebration complete with live music, champagne, caviar bumps, and the best seat in the house for fireworks over the Space Needle.

For Chinese New Year, The Modern hired dragon dancers and hosted a Dim Sum brunch in the conservatory. Residents were invited to participate and watch the show while enjoying delicious snacks from a local restaurant.

In the summer, we kicked off sailing experiences where residents were invited to hop aboard and enjoy local charcuterie and wine while sailing the Puget Sound. Provided monthly, residents had the opportunity to view the skyline from a different perspective and spend some much-needed time relaxing along the water.

In June, The Modern celebrated Pride in full force with a Brunch and Drag show complete with a DJ. This was one of The Modern’s most popular events and was the first Pride event experience for many attendees.

Conclusion

Collaboration lies at the heart of community growth, and The Modern has taken this to heart by partnering with local businesses and providing opportunities for connection. These partnerships and events not only enhance the resident experience but also underline The Modern’s commitment to becoming an integral part of the wider neighborhood. By joining forces with like-minded organizations, The Modern extends its reach beyond its walls, infusing the spirit of community into the very fabric of Seattle.