The apartment industry doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon, and neither does the creativity of multifamily developers, designers, and architects.

Inventiveness and innovation were evident in this year’s Multifamily Executive Awards submissions, which reached almost 400 entries. As record numbers of new developments continue to come on line, the competition keeps heating up and developers have to up their game to stay ahead of the curve.

In today’s fierce industry environment, our 2017 judges looked for entries that stood above the rest, choosing 35 developments, amenities, and programs—18 Grand and 17 Merit winners—that exemplify what an exceptional project looks like, in 18 categories, from High-Rise of the Year to Best Amenity. MFE's editors also weighed in, choosing one overall outstanding community from among the winners as the 2017 Editors' Choice recipient.

Three executives receive honors as well. In addition to an annual Executive of the Year and Rising Star, this year the magazine debuts the MFE Hall of Fame and welcome its inaugural member.

In the following profiles, MFE showcases the industry savvy, sustainable designs, fresh construction solutions, creative renovations, and preservation of affordability that make the 38 MFE Awards winners stand out.