Multifamily Combines Tech and Resident Connection

SAN JOSE—Greystar has been involved in numerous housing projects near tech employers such as Elan Menlo Park near Facebook’s headquarters. Alex Meyer, Greystar’s new senior director of construction, and Jonathan Fearn, new senior director of development, will help lead Greystar’s upcoming projects like those in Redwood City, Mountain View and Menlo Park.

In this exclusive, Fearn recently discussed how Greystar’s development in Silicon Valley will be impacted by the tech boom and some of the trends the firm plans to incorporate into its current multifamily developments, based on recent demand.

GlobeSt.com: What types of creative designs are being used in Bay Area/Silicon Valley residential developments that might be more unique to this area than most?

Fearn: In the booming Bay Area/Silicon Valley market, modern-day renters are looking for creative amenities that introduce a sense of community beyond the four walls of their apartments. Greystar aims to design residential developments that integrate everyday technology and foster a sense of connection among residents. To create these connective spaces, developers are incorporating state-of-the-art amenities such as game rooms, pet parks, yoga/meditation rooms and outdoor living rooms. Utilizing expansive amenity spaces allows for our residential developments to deliver the ultimate sense of community that resonates with today’s renter.

GlobeSt.com: How is technology being incorporated into designs?

Fearn: As Silicon Valley continues to be an epicenter of innovative technology, there is a priority among renters to find a home that seamlessly incorporates technology into daily life. From USB chargers near beds to package delivery systems such as Amazon lockers, to WiFi in the outdoor common spaces, to keyless unit entry systems and resident-dedicated apps, these details are the new normal for modern-day renters. At Greystar, we are consistently looking to the newest forms of technology to help us meet our residents’ needs and design for the future.

GlobeSt.com: How much does wellness or resident health factor into the designs you are seeing in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley?

Fearn: Wellness design is broader than simply where someone lives, but residents are also looking for what is around them. This is often a leading factor that can sway a modern-day renter’s decision when choosing a home. As a result, our team is constantly researching ways to curate a lifestyle into our developments, whether it’s housing a high-tech gym, designing a yoga and meditation room for wellness-focused classes, positioning a community within close proximity to healthcare providers or creating partnerships with wellness brands for our communities. As the emphasis on wellness is predicated to grow in the next three years, we are thrilled to be paving the way for future multifamily developments by introducing a new standard of living within the Bay Area/Silicon Valley.

GlobeSt.com: What design trends are more prevalent in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley in general?

Fearn: Transit-oriented developments continue to be a priority for residents of multifamily developments in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley as do projects that incorporate a mix of uses, or immerse themselves into areas that were previously homogenously zoned. As Silicon Valley evolves to become an urban suburbia, developers are integrating design trends that are bike-friendly and boast high scores of walkability. We want to be part of the solution to the region’s housing shortage and feel we are doing this through thoughtfully located and designed communities that ideally lead to a decrease in traffic and an increase in walkability.