‘One credential’ access system among the details that make Sage West complex stand out

The Sage West apartment complex in uptown Houston was designed to offer upscale amenities and plenty of class to residents and their visitors. That meant not only fashioning the 300-units with plush traditional features like high ceilings and top-grade finishes, but also creating an environment where residents can effortlessly enjoy all the buildings amenities. These include a fully landscaped outdoor green deck, fitness room, clubhouse area, media room, as well as access to a 24-hour concierge, business center, conference room, and a pet wash facility.

Initially, project owner WPPI presented its vision for openings and hardware to American Direct based on what was new in the access control industry. American Direct researched the possibilities and presented proposed specifications for doors, frames, hardware and access control that would meet the owner’s expectations and stay within budget.

The resulting “one credential” access system revolved around keyfobs, meaning that residents use the same devices to access their unit as the amenity rooms and parking garage. Each keyfob is encoded with a unique number so the integrity of the keyfob stays intact. For security, this system allows for management to easily identify who last had access to the rooms. In addition, when a resident moves out, the cost for reprogramming a keyfob is minimal, compared to what it would be if an actual key was involved. The access control system is based on wireless technology, so the locks are not hard wired with electric hinges and power supply.

“With a high-end project like this, details really make a difference,” said American Direct President Byron Whetstone. “We wanted to help the owner come up with an access system that was sophisticated enough to complement the quality of the units and the amenities.”

American Direct’s turnkey approach on this job offered the project owner a full slate of services including pre-construction product analysis, product ordering, delivering and overseeing the installation.

“The project is really stunning,” said Whetstone. “It caters to those who appreciate fine quality.”