In the competitive world of multifamily development, the organizational structure of a company can significantly influence the final product. Firms that handle development, construction, leasing, and management internally often make decisions differently than those that outsource each stage, impacting both speed and quality. This integrated model is gaining attention as developers seek to differentiate themselves in emerging markets.
Yuval Shram, Founder and CEO of TAY Investments, a vertically integrated real estate development company based in Hackensack, New Jersey, emphasizes the advantages of this approach. His firm is currently delivering LAZUL WEST, a 202-unit residential project at 301 West Side Avenue in Jersey City. “When you own the full life cycle, you understand everything,” Shram said. “You make every decision knowing you will own the property for the long term, so you build it to last.” This long-term perspective leads to choices optimized for durability and resident experience rather than for a quick handoff.
Integration also enables faster project delivery without sacrificing control. Because TAY acts as its own general contractor, design refinements and construction can proceed concurrently, coordinated within a single team rather than renegotiated across separate contracts. Shram likens this to managing a large, interconnected system with a single hand on every piece. For instance, changing a building entrance affects utilities, access, and site planning simultaneously. Keeping these relationships internal ensures the project advances smoothly and the finished product matches the team's vision. On LAZUL WEST, this coordination allowed construction to stay on schedule while plans were refined to a higher standard.
The benefits extend into operations. TAY's leasing and management teams participate in the design phase, shaping the building around how residents will actually use it. “Our leasing agent will look at the plans and tell us where we can make them better,” Shram said. “She might say a layout needs more walk-in closet space, because that is something residents value, so we build it in.” Electric-vehicle charging is another example of a feature added early because the operating team knew residents would want it. “Those small touches are what create the value of a building,” he added.
As development expands into growing neighborhoods like Jersey City's West Side, the ability to control quality end-to-end is becoming a genuine differentiator. A developer that builds and operates its own assets can maintain a consistent standard from the first drawing through years of management. LAZUL WEST, now delivered and leasing, exemplifies this approach. TAY Investments specializes in multifamily properties across New Jersey, offering in-house capabilities in development, general contracting, property management, and asset management, with a long-term holding strategy focused on creating exceptional residential communities in strategic locations.
