The Austin Apartment Association announced this week the 10 winners of its 2017 best property awards. Ocotillo, a new complex in Southwest Austin, received the Lease Up 2017 Property of the Year award, and Lamar Union in South Austin received the mid/high rise property of the year award winner. Davis Soco apartments and Whitley were honored as the runners-up in the mid/high rise property category, according to Stephanie Hudson, Lamar Union's community manager. "There are a lot of things it takes to be considered for an award, and a lot of things you have to go through and the property gets looked at by a lot of people," Hudson said. "Anytime a property is nominated or makes the top three, it’s a huge privilege." Awards are divided into categories based on the number of units, the property's age, amenities and occupancy. All eligible properties were then assessed based on three criteria: property marketing efforts and staff expertise, a physical visual inspection and a blind shop of the property performed by a third party. Here are the winners:
1. Lease Up 2017 Property of the Year
WINNER: Ocotillo, Greystar Affordable and mid/high rise not included in this category. Any property that is less than 18 months old and less than 70% occupied at the time of nomination.
2. Mid/High Rise 2017 Property of the Year
WINNER: Lamar Union, Greystar Any property that is four stories or more, has interior corridors, elevators, and parking garage. The property may also include commercial components.
3. Emerald 50-299 units 2017 Property of the Year
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7East apartments.[/caption]
WINNER: 7East, Greystar
Properties built between 2010 and 2015 with 50-299 rental units.
The Villages at Ben White[/caption]
WINNER: 
