AEI Corporation

Mixed use developments have become one of the fastest growing types of residential communities across the country. Instead of separating where people live, work, shop, and socialize, these properties bring everything together in one place. Residents can walk downstairs for a morning coffee, pick up groceries after work, meet friends for dinner, and return home without ever getting in their car.

That convenience has changed what people expect from apartment living.

Today's renters are looking for more than a place to sleep. They want amenities that improve their daily lives and create opportunities to spend time with friends, family, and neighbors. Fitness centers, coworking lounges, dog parks, resort style pools, and outdoor gathering spaces have become expected features rather than luxury additions.

One amenity that continues to grow in popularity is the community grilling area.

A thoughtfully designed patio with commercial patio grills gives residents a place to cook, entertain guests, and enjoy the outdoors without leaving the property. For owners and developers, it creates another feature that helps a community stand apart from competing properties.

Not every grill is built for this type of environment, however.

A grill that performs well in someone's backyard may not hold up when hundreds of residents use it throughout the year. Commercial grills, like the PGS T-Series, are engineered specifically for high use environments where durability, safety, reliability, and long term maintenance all matter.

In this guide, we'll explore why grill stations have become an important amenity for mixed use developments and why the PGS T-Series has become one of the most trusted commercial outdoor grills for multifamily communities.

Why Mixed Use Developments Continue to Grow

Mixed use developments combine residential apartments with commercial businesses in a single property. The ground floor often includes restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, fitness studios, leasing offices, grocery stores, or other businesses that serve both residents and the surrounding neighborhood. Apartment homes occupy the upper floors.

These communities are especially common in downtown districts and growing urban centers where walkability is a priority. Instead of driving across town for everyday errands, residents can accomplish much of their daily routine within a few blocks.

That convenience has become one of the biggest selling points for modern apartment communities.

Cities continue investing in walkable neighborhoods, urban redevelopment, and higher density housing. Developers have responded by building communities where people can live, work, shop, dine, and socialize in one location.

Even with restaurants just downstairs, residents still enjoy cooking for themselves.

Residents still want to grill burgers on a summer evening, cook dinner with friends, or host family members on the weekend. Mixed use developments simply need to provide the space where those experiences can happen.

Residents Still Want the Experience of Cooking Outdoors

Living in a mixed use apartment building doesn't change the simple fact that people enjoy grilling.

Many residents grew up with backyard barbecues. They associate grilling with birthdays, family dinners, holidays, and relaxing weekends with friends. When they move into an apartment, they often lose access to that experience.

Few apartment balconies are large enough for a grill, and many local fire codes prohibit them altogether.

A shared grilling area brings that experience back.

Instead of sacrificing outdoor cooking, residents can walk to a professionally designed patio equipped with commercial patio grills, comfortable seating, and gathering areas. These spaces naturally become social hubs within the community.

On a pleasant evening, one family may be grilling hamburgers while another prepares vegetables nearby. Neighbors who have never met strike up conversations while waiting for dinner to cook.

Those small interactions help transform an apartment building into a community.

Outdoor Grill Areas Help Mixed Use Communities Stand Out

Mixed use developments compete for residents just like traditional apartment communities.

Prospective renters compare floor plans, monthly rent, location, and amenities before making a decision. Outdoor spaces often play a larger role than many developers realize.

A welcoming grilling area can become one of the property's most frequently used amenities.

Unlike a swimming pool that may only see heavy use during the summer, or a clubhouse that's reserved for special events, grill stations can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Especially if patio heaters are installed as well, to keep residents warm during the colder months.

Residents use them after work, on weekends, during holidays, and whenever friends or family visit.

Well designed outdoor gathering spaces also encourage residents to spend more time on the property instead of leaving for every social activity. That sense of community contributes to resident satisfaction and can positively influence lease renewals.

It's one reason so many developers continue investing in attractive outdoor amenity spaces with commercial grills.

What Makes a Patio Grill Right for a Mixed Use Development?

Not every outdoor grill belongs in a commercial setting.

A grill that works well on someone's backyard patio often struggles when it's expected to serve hundreds of residents. Mixed use developments create a very different environment than a single family home. Residents come and go throughout the day, outdoor spaces stay busy into the evening, and the equipment is expected to perform reliably year after year.

Think about a typical Friday evening.

The coffee shop on the ground floor is closing for the day. A restaurant next door is welcoming the dinner crowd. Residents are arriving home from work. Some head upstairs while others gather on the rooftop patio to cook dinner.

By Saturday afternoon, several groups may be using the grills one after another.

That level of activity demands equipment built specifically for commercial use.

The PGS T-Series grills were not adapted from a residential grill. They were designed from the beginning to serve apartment communities, mixed use developments, hotels, condominiums, and other shared outdoor spaces where durability and reliability are essential.

Built to Handle Constant Use

One of the biggest mistakes developers can make is installing grills designed for occasional backyard cooking.

A homeowner might use their grill once or twice each week.

A commercial grill in a mixed use development may be used several times every day.

Frequent heating and cooling cycles, exposure to rain and sun, regular cleaning, and constant use all place stress on the equipment. Lower quality grills eventually begin showing rust, fading finishes, warped components, and expensive repairs.

Construction materials matter.

For the exterior of a grill, two materials consistently perform best in commercial applications.

Stainless Steel Grills

Stainless steel grills provide outstanding corrosion resistance, excellent strength, and an attractive brushed finish that complements modern architecture.

For upscale mixed use developments, stainless steel helps outdoor amenity spaces maintain a clean, professional appearance for years.

Cast Aluminum Grills

Cast aluminum is another excellent commercial material.

Cast aluminum grills naturally resists corrosion, handles outdoor weather well, and provides a compact, budget friendly option for communities with smaller grilling areas.

Inside the grill, quality is just as important.

Burners, cooking grids, and critical cooking components should also be stainless steel to maximize durability and performance.

Commercial construction costs more initially, but often costs significantly less over the life of the grill.

Reliability Matters Long After Installation

Installing a grill is only the beginning.

The real test comes years later.

Outdoor amenities are expected to serve residents for decades. The grills should be able to do the same.

The PGS T-Series has earned its reputation because it continues performing year after year in demanding commercial environments.

Equally important, OEM replacement grill parts remain available.

When burners, ignition components, or cooking grates eventually wear through normal use, maintenance teams don't have to search for aftermarket parts that may or may not fit correctly.

Maintenance teams can order genuine replacement parts that install properly and restore the grill to its original performance.

That keeps maintenance simple while extending the life of the equipment.

AEI has supplied commercial patio grills for more than 60 years. Our experience has shown that long term reliability depends not only on how well a grill is built, but also on how easy it is to maintain throughout its life.

Safety and Fuel Savings Go Hand in Hand

One challenge every property manager eventually encounters is a grill that was accidentally left running.

A resident finishes cooking, carries dinner upstairs, gets distracted talking with neighbors, and forgets to return.

Hours later, the grill is still operating.

In a mixed use development, that mistake can waste a surprising amount of fuel.

More importantly, an unattended grill creates an unnecessary safety concern.

The PGS T-Series addresses both issues with one simple feature.

An integrated 60 minute automatic grill timer.

Before the burners can be turned on, users simply rotate the timer.

When time expires, the gas flow automatically shuts off.

There are no complicated controls or additional steps.

This feature helps reduce wasted fuel, lowers operating costs, and gives property managers greater confidence that grills won't continue operating after residents have finished cooking.

It's one of the most valuable features available on a commercial grill, yet very few manufacturers integrate it directly into the control panel.

Designed for Shared Community Spaces

Public amenities require different features than private backyard grills.

For example, missing control knobs are a surprisingly common maintenance issue on many shared grills.

Whether they disappear because of vandalism or accidental damage, a missing knob can quickly make an entire grill unusable.

The PGS T-Series includes anti theft control knobs designed to remain with the grill.

Another thoughtful feature is the permanently laser etched operating instructions carved directly into the stainless steel control panel.

Unlike printed decals that eventually fade or peel away, laser etched instructions remain readable for years despite constant exposure to sun and weather.

These details may seem small, but they significantly reduce maintenance while improving the experience for residents.

Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Property

No two mixed use developments are exactly alike.

That's why the PGS T-Series is available in multiple fuel configurations.

Natural Gas Grills

For busy apartment communities, natural gas grills are often the preferred solution.

They connect directly to the property's natural gas utilities, eliminating the need to replace propane tanks while providing an uninterrupted fuel supply.

For high use grilling stations, natural gas is often the most economical long term choice.

Electric Grills

Some mixed use developments are designed around all electric infrastructure or local sustainability initiatives.

PGS electric grills plug into heavy duty NEMA 6-30 receptacles and are Energy Star certified. They deliver excellent grilling performance while helping projects meet energy efficiency goals.

Propane Grills

Where natural gas service isn't available, propane patio grills remain an excellent alternative.

Although propane tanks require periodic replacement, they provide installation flexibility for locations where permanent gas utilities aren't practical.

Offering multiple fuel options allows developers to choose the grill that best fits their project rather than compromising because of utility limitations.

A Great Grill Area Is About More Than the Grill

The best outdoor amenities are designed as destinations.

The grill is only one part of the overall experience.

Comfortable seating, lighting, landscaping, nearby trash receptacles, food preparation space, and attractive surroundings all encourage residents to spend more time outdoors.

Thoughtful details make a difference.

Side mounted temperature indicators allow residents to monitor cooking temperatures without opening the grill lid.

Optional stainless steel side shelves provide valuable workspace.

Stainless steel beverage centers offer convenient storage for drinks and condiments during cookouts.

Optional side burners allow residents to prepare sauces, vegetables, or side dishes without leaving the grilling area.

Together, these accessories create an outdoor kitchen rather than simply a place to cook.

Accessibility Benefits Everyone

Great amenities should be usable by everyone.

Optional Lift Assist Handles allow residents to open and close the grill without reaching across the hot cooking surface.

For wheelchair users, older adults, parents carrying food, or anyone cooking multiple dishes at once, this feature makes grilling easier and more comfortable.

Accessibility features often improve the experience for every resident, not just those who require accommodations.

Planning a Successful Grill Area

Choosing the right grill is only part of designing a successful outdoor amenity.

Proper planning helps ensure residents actually enjoy using the space.

Some best practices include:

• Install enough grills to accommodate the size of the community.
• Provide comfortable seating nearby.
• Include adequate lighting for evening use.
• Leave plenty of space around each grill so multiple residents can cook comfortably.
• Incorporate ADA accessible pathways and grilling stations where appropriate.
• Locate grills where smoke won't interfere with residents while still creating an inviting gathering space.

Every property is different.

That's why AEI offers complimentary patio design services. Our team works with developers, architects, contractors, and property owners to recommend the right grill models, fuel types, layouts, and accessories based on the needs of each project.

Planning these details early often saves time, reduces installation challenges, and creates a better experience for residents.

Protecting Your Investment

Commercial grills should be viewed as long term infrastructure rather than short term equipment.

Higher quality grills typically last longer, require fewer repairs, and remain easier to maintain.

The combination of commercial construction, OEM replacement parts, integrated safety features, and durable stainless steel components helps lower the total cost of ownership over the life of the equipment.

For developers and property owners, that means fewer maintenance headaches.

For residents, it means dependable grills that are always ready to use.

Bringing People Together

The biggest benefit of a community grilling area isn't found on a specification sheet.

It's found in the experiences residents share.

Neighbors meet while preparing dinner.

Families celebrate birthdays.

Friends gather after work.

Holiday weekends become community cookouts.

These moments help transform an apartment complex into a neighborhood.

That's exactly what mixed use developments are designed to accomplish.

The right commercial grill helps make those moments possible.

The PGS T-Series was purpose built for these high use environments, combining durability, safety, reliability, and long term value into a commercial grill trusted by multifamily communities for decades.

Planning a Mixed Use Development? AEI Can Help

Selecting commercial patio grills involves more than choosing a fuel type or finish.

The number of grills, their placement, accessibility, utility connections, and optional accessories all contribute to creating an outdoor amenity that residents will enjoy for years.

AEI has been helping developers, architects, contractors, and property owners design successful outdoor grilling spaces for more than 60 years.

Whether you're planning a new mixed use development or upgrading an existing property, our team can help you select the right PGS T-Series grills and create a layout that fits your project and your budget.

Contact AEI to learn more about our commercial patio grills and our complimentary patio design services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best patio grills for mixed use developments?

Commercial patio grills built specifically for shared environments are the best choice. Models like the PGS T-Series are designed to withstand frequent use while offering features such as automatic shutoff timers, anti theft control knobs, and OEM replacement parts.

Why are commercial grills better than residential grills?

Residential grills are designed for occasional family use. Commercial grills are engineered for constant use, greater durability, easier maintenance, and improved safety in shared community spaces.

Should I choose natural gas or electric grills?

It depends on your property's infrastructure. Natural gas grills are ideal for high use communities with existing gas utilities, while electric grills are an excellent option for all electric developments or projects pursuing Energy Star goals.

Why are automatic grill timers important?

Automatic fuel shutoff grill timers help prevent residents from accidentally leaving a grill running after cooking. This reduces wasted fuel, lowers operating costs, and improves safety.

How many patio grills should an apartment community install?

The answer depends on the size of the property and expected resident use. Larger communities generally benefit from multiple grilling stations to minimize wait times and improve the resident experience.

Why should developers work with AEI?

AEI has more than 60 years of experience helping multifamily developers design outdoor grilling areas. In addition to supplying commercial PGS grills, AEI provides complimentary patio design services to help determine the best equipment, layouts, and accessories for each project.

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