In the competitive landscape of multifamily development, the organizational structure of a company can significantly influence the outcome of a project. Firms that manage development, construction, leasing, and property management under one roof operate with a different set of incentives and capabilities compared to those that outsource each phase. This integrated approach is proving to be a differentiator in emerging sub-markets like Jersey City's West Side.
Yuval Shram, Founder and CEO of TAY Investments, a vertically integrated real estate development company based in Hackensack, New Jersey, emphasizes the importance of owning the full life cycle of a property. "When you own the full life cycle, you understand everything," Shram says. "You make every decision knowing you will own the property for the long term, so you build it to last." This alignment of incentives ensures that early design choices are optimized for durability and resident experience rather than for a quick handoff to another party.
Vertical integration also accelerates the development process without sacrificing control. Since TAY serves as its own general contractor, design refinements and construction can proceed in parallel, coordinated internally rather than renegotiated across separate contracts. Shram describes this as managing a large, interconnected system with a single hand on every piece. A change to a building entrance, for instance, affects utilities, access, and site planning simultaneously. Keeping these relationships within one organization allows the project to advance smoothly and the finished product to reflect the team's exact intentions. At LAZUL WEST, a 202-unit residential property at 301 West Side Avenue in Jersey City, this coordination enabled construction to stay on schedule while plans were refined to a higher standard.
The benefits of integration extend well beyond the construction phase. TAY's leasing and management teams are involved during the design process, ensuring the building is shaped 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 explains. "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 feature added early because the operating team recognized resident demand. "Those small touches are what create the value of a building," he adds.
As development expands into neighborhoods like Jersey City's West Side, the ability to control quality end to end is becoming a genuine competitive advantage. 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, is a clear expression of this approach, demonstrating how vertical integration can lead to faster delivery times, better construction quality, and a more satisfying living experience for residents.
For industry observers, this model highlights a growing trend where developers are bringing more functions in-house to manage costs, timelines, and quality. By keeping all stages under one roof, companies like TAY Investments are setting a new benchmark for multifamily development in New Jersey.
