In the competitive landscape of multifamily development, the internal structure of a company can be as influential as the design of the building itself. Firms that handle development, construction, leasing, and management under one roof make decisions with a unified perspective, often resulting in faster delivery and higher quality. This approach is demonstrated by TAY Investments, a vertically integrated real estate developer based in Hackensack, New Jersey, which is currently leasing its 202-unit LAZUL WEST property at 301 West Side Avenue in Jersey City.
The core advantage of vertical integration lies in the alignment of incentives. When the same organization that designs a building also owns and operates it for the long term, early decisions are made with an eye toward durability and resident satisfaction. Yuval Shram, Founder and CEO of TAY Investments, explains, “When you own the full life cycle, you understand everything. You make every decision knowing you will own the property for the long term, so you build it to last.” This long-term perspective eliminates the compromises often seen when projects are handed off at various stages, ensuring that the final product is optimized for longevity and user experience.
Speed without sacrificing control is another benefit of this model. Because TAY acts as its own general contractor, design refinements and construction can proceed simultaneously, coordinated within a single team rather than through separate contracts that may slow progress. Shram likens this to managing a large, interconnected system with one hand on every element. A change to a building entrance, for example, affects utilities, access, and site planning, but having these relationships in-house allows the project to move forward smoothly. On LAZUL WEST, this coordination enabled construction to stay on schedule while plans were refined to a higher standard, showcasing how integration can accelerate delivery without diminishing quality.
The advantages extend into operations, where the leasing and management teams contribute during the design phase. This ensures that the building is shaped around how residents will actually use it. Shram notes, “Our leasing agent will look at the plans and tell us where we can make them better. She might say a layout needs more walk-in closet space, because that is something residents value, so we build it in.” Similarly, electric-vehicle charging was added early because the operating team recognized its importance to future residents. These small touches, he says, are what create the value of a building.
As development expands into emerging neighborhoods like Jersey City’s West Side, the ability to control quality from start to finish is becoming a key differentiator. A developer that builds and operates its own assets can maintain consistent standards from the initial drawings through years of management. LAZUL WEST, now delivered and leasing, is a clear expression of this approach, demonstrating the tangible benefits of vertical integration in multifamily development.
