Popular Apartment Complex Unlocks Modern Access Control with Allegion

Challenge: Legacy Systems Slow Operations and Frustrate Residents

A thriving apartment complex near Florida’s Gulf Coast offers residents luxury living surrounded by beaches, restaurants and shops. Since its opening, this 65-unit, mixed-use property has become one of the area’s most sought-after addresses, with a waitlist topping 400.

That high demand brought constant foot traffic from residents, guests, deliveries and service providers. For the property management team, maintaining convenience and safety for everyone meant tackling an outdated access control system that was slowing operations and frustrating residents.

The property’s legacy systems — a patchwork of mechanical locks, fobs and disparate controllers — required too much manual work. Issuing, deactivating and replacing fobs and keys was costly and time consuming, and residents disliked carrying both a fob and a key. With 92 openings to manage, including vehicle gates, a bike cage and retail spaces, the management team needed a single, scalable platform that could improve security and keep up with the property’s growth.

Solution: Upgrading to Mobile Credentials and Centralized Management

The property management turned to long time integration partner with experience in multifamily access control. Drawing on their experience as an Allegion Security Integrator Member, the integrator introduced Allegion’s open architecture solutions as the ideal fit for the apartment’s needs.

Mechanical locks on all apartment doors were replaced with Schlage Control® smart locks featuring ENGAGE™ technology for keyless entry. Residents received new fobs and had the option to adopt Schlage Mobile Bluetooth® credentials for phone based access. Staff only rooms were secured with Schlage NDE wireless electronic locks, while retail storage and other shared areas were fitted with additional wireless hardware — all mobile enabled for future technology adoption.

Centralized Cloud Management:

The following year, the property transitioned to Allegion’s Zentra cloud based access management platform. Zentra unified perimeter, amenity and unit access into one centralized system, allowing managers to assign credentials, set schedules and monitor openings from their desks. The integrator handled migration with zero operational downtime.

Residents were upgraded to the Zentra mobile app for iOS and Android, using Bluetooth credentials for secure entry to apartments and common areas. After successful launch and integration, the property introduced resident key in Apple Wallet, enabling contactless entry with just an iPhone or Apple Watch. Even when devices need charging, Apple’s Power Reserve mode keeps access active.

Result: Enhanced Security, Efficiency and Experience

The new system transformed daily operations. Property management praised Zentra’s responsive support and easy learning curve, noting that on site training ensured the team felt confident from day one. Temporary access for deliveries or maintenance can now be granted in moments, and residents report feeling safer and enjoying greater convenience — able to head out for errands or a jog without needing pockets or bags to carry keychains.

Operationally, the platform reduced staffing needs and lowered costs by cutting down on fob orders. The streamlined, mobile first system also enhances the resident experience from move in to move out.

Looking Ahead:

Encouraged by the success, the property plans to expand the system to additional areas with Schlage XE360 wireless locks and MTB Series wall readers. It’s also set to become the first multifamily community to roll out resident key in Google Wallet.

For the property owner and team, the payoff is clear: their residents love the convenience and management loves knowing they can control the entire property on one platform.

With the right access control system, multifamily properties can secure more than doors. They can secure peace of mind for both residents and management, proving that the right access control system can unlock both safety and operational efficiency.