How Cortland Is Using Local Art to Create More Distinctive Apartment Communities
As multifamily developers and owners look for ways to stand out in a competitive market, Cortland is turning to art to create a stronger sense of place. What began as individual property design choices has evolved into a portfoliowide philosophy, with commissioned murals and works from regional artists helping communities reflect the neighborhoods around.
“Every community should reflect the neighborhood it lives in, and local art is one of the most authentic ways to do that,” says Bill Davis, executive vice president of Cortland Design & Architecture.
According to Davis, Cortland’s positioning is “approachable premium”—elevated, design-forward communities that feel warm and welcoming rather than exclusive. Art becomes a natural extension of that, signaling intentionality and quality in an inviting manner.
“Art is how a community goes from well-designed to memorable. It creates a sense of place, signals the care we put into the resident experience, and differentiates a community in a way that’s authentic to its neighborhood rather than copy-paste,” he shares. “We invest in art because it makes our communities better places to live—and that’s the foundation everything else is built on.”
Cortland’s resident data also shows that design overall, including interiors, finishes, and the broader aesthetic, ranks among the most influential non-price factors in how renters evaluate a home. Davis says art is part of that larger design quality to strengthen the resident experience and show the care put into the communities.
The developer and owner has engaged local artists to paint murals at nine of its properties over the last few years. It recently commissioned local Atlanta artist Niki Zarrabi to do a mural at Cortland at Buckhead Village.
“We saw Niki’s work a few years ago in Buckhead, and we were immediately drawn to her style. When we started discussing a mural on the walls surrounding the pool, we knew she would be perfect for it,” says Davis. “Her scope then evolved, and she also painted a large, framed mural in the interior of the property in the same style.”
