In the competitive landscape of multifamily development, the internal structure of a company often determines the caliber of the buildings it produces. Firms that handle development, construction, leasing, and management under one roof operate with a distinct advantage, making decisions that prioritize long-term value over short-term handoffs. This integrated approach directly impacts both the speed of delivery and the quality of the final product.
When the same organization designs a building and then retains ownership over the long haul, the individuals making early decisions are the very ones who will live with the consequences. This alignment eliminates the compromises that commonly arise when different entities handle separate phases of a project. Yuval Shram, Founder and CEO of TAY Investments, emphasizes this synergy: "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 philosophy is evident in the company's latest project, the 202-unit LAZUL WEST at 301 West Side Avenue in Jersey City, where choices were optimized for durability and resident experience rather than for a quick handoff.
Vertical integration also empowers a developer to maintain momentum while continuously refining the project. Because TAY serves as its own general contractor, design refinements and construction progress in tandem, coordinated within a single team rather than renegotiated across separate contracts. Shram describes this as managing a large, interconnected system with a single hand on every component. For instance, altering a building entrance affects utilities, access, and site planning simultaneously. Keeping these relationships internal ensures the project advances smoothly and the finished product reflects precisely what the team envisioned. On LAZUL WEST, this coordination allowed construction to stay on schedule while the plans were elevated to a higher standard.
The advantages of this model extend well beyond the construction phase. TAY's leasing and management teams contribute during the design process, 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 notes. "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 future demand. "Those small touches are what create the value of a building," he adds.
As development expands into emerging 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 uphold a consistent standard from the initial drawing through years of management. LAZUL WEST, now delivered and leasing, is a clear expression of this integrated approach, demonstrating how a unified team can move faster and deliver superior living spaces.
