Top 5 Sustainable Multifamily Trends
Many communities rely on the use of cutting-edge technology for eco-friendly considerations and energy-saving solutions to cut utility costs. With the rising awareness and importance of sustainability within multifamily communities to become net-zero buildings, there are numerous sustainable multifamily trends circulating, and here are the top 5 that you are likely to see: 1. The Installation of Smart AmenitiesMore general contractors are installing smart amenities within their multifamily projects to reduce energy consumption as well as lowering utility bills for the residents. An example that is widely used is the investment of smart, programmable thermostats, which manage room temperature systematically to avoid wasting heat or cooling. Other amenities that buyers are paying attention to are smart lights, smart security systems, and smart locks. 2. Energy Efficient ExteriorsFocusing on the exterior of the building is one of the best ways to enhance a community’s sustainability. You will notice that more general contractors are improving major exterior features, such as adding solar shingles on the roof and utilizing commercial sunshades to reduce energy costs. You may even see residential wind turbines as well on properties. These eco-friendly aspects drastically help with energy savings and make the location much more attractive to potential buyers and their desires. 3. DaylightingSomething to take note of is the daylighting approach. This means that the use of artificial lighting can be cut down exponentially by designing bigger windows in ideal locations where they can get the most sunlight during the day. With windows strategically placed, it reduces the need for energy-absorbing lightbulbs and subsequently lower electric costs. 4. Electric Vehicle Charging StationsAnother notable feature is the heightened number of electric vehicle charging stations being installed in multifamily communities. Millions of dollars have been poured into the development of these stations, and they provide a competitive advantage over places that do not have them. Though electric cars are still not as utilized as standard ones, it is undoubtedly becoming more accessible to the point that charging stations are now deemed a critical multifamily housing investment. 5. Energy Efficient AppliancesIn many cases, the quality and age of appliances can make or break someone from wanting to live in a particular multifamily community. People now more than ever know what their options are and seek to have the best, or close to the best appliances available. This means energy-efficient refrigerators, washer and dryers, stoves, and everything else in-between. This is an easy way to be eco-friendly and save residents money long term. Sustainability and green buildings are a vital factor in today’s society and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. These trends not only increase property value, but promote a much better lifestyle for multifamily residents to live comfortably. Even with these trends taking a front seat in design, there is still a continuous strive to develop innovative ideas and methods to enhance living conditions. It is refreshing to see how far these trends have come, and it is exciting to see how far it will go. FaverGray is dedicated to building multifamily housing communities that not only aid in a positive quality of life for residents, but also provide our clients for an opportunity to receive the best return on their investment. Contact us today to start the conversation about your next project.
Join the Hope Town Rising Initiative
Over the last few weeks, Keith and I teamed up with Mark Bailey, CEO of The Bailey Group, to provide medical relief and resources to the Hope Town, Elbow Cay community. We recently launched a GoFundMe Campaign and partnership with Hope Town Rising, an initiative of Community Assistance Foundation (CAF), formed in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Since the late 80s, Keith, Mark and I, have traveled to Hope Town, Elbow Cay. Fast forward to 2019 and we share 30 years of cherished memories with the heart and soul of the island – the people. We feel a personal responsibility to help the Hope Town Community – they are like family. To date: FaverGray and The Bailey Group have donated $40,000+ for air transportation. The Bailey Group and Flagler Hospital have donated $100,000 in medical supplies and relief. Since Hurricane Dorian hit, we have transported more than 8,000 pounds of supplies, including food, medical supplies, doctors, nurses and EMT personnel to the islands. We’ve also established the only full-time, 24-hour-a-day medical clinic to treat those injured in the storm and have seen more than 500 cases. We recognize that this will take years and substantial focus, but we pledge to be at the forefront of reconstruction and the long-term solution. After the medical aspect and patient treatment is fully taken care of, our FaverGray team will add a downstream strategy and logistics to our focus. We invite you to join our GoFundMe Campaign, which will directly fulfill the Hope Town Rising Mission: To marshal and deploy the resources, expertise, and knowledge needed to assist the Hope Town and Elbow Cay community in recovery and rebuilding. In the near term this means providing care for those remaining on Elbow Cay and stabilizing infrastructure and the built environment. In the long term, it means providing the support and help needed to implement the vision and plans of community leaders in restoring this beautiful and special place. Initial Objectives include: Hope Town Clinic Supply Shipment Fire Risk Assessment Stateside Relief Please visit our GoFundMe page for an in-depth description of our initiatives. The more money we can raise, the more families we can help. Please show your support by contributing to our campaign!
Innovative Technology in Active Adult Communities
It is the most significant contribution to developing and improving the overall wellness and safety of the residents. For developers, proactively incorporating innovative technology in active adult apartment communities will allow a modernizing shift towards a much more efficient and positive experience for those who live there. It can be challenging to work out your defined budget and finalize what components each allotted amount will go towards. Even though this can feel like a tight investment already, if you want to make a lasting impact, take the extra step to integrate useful and desired technologies that will support the lifestyle of the community. Innovative Technologies for High-Quality CareThe options seem endless when it comes to generating ideas for your development. There is an extensive amount of opportunities that will significantly increase the quality of life for active adults and seniors. With this in mind, it is vital to make the resident’s desires and needs a priority when coming up with useful solutions. One of the most considerable concerns amongst older adults is the risk of falling. Falling is a common issue, and in some cases, it can be detrimental. One way to help control these accidents is by constructing a wall sensor that can monitor any activity that is not pre-baselined as normal. When abnormal motion occurs, it will send a signal to a response team so they can investigate further. When you are choosing the kind of innovative technology to use, try to make it as minimally invasive as possible. Residents are entitled to their privacy, so finding a way to meet their needs with this in mind is essential. For example, a wall sensor is much less intrusive than a video camera. What About the Budget?During active adult and senior living community construction, many times other general contractors write off innovative technology completely, primarily due to customer budget constraints. Yes, there is an allowance in place, but with small changes and correcting any misappropriation, you may be surprised to see what you can work with after careful cost scrubbing. Also, with the rise in demand for technological lifestyles as a critical feature that consumers look for, it would be wise to brainstorm innovative ideas and establish a budget and plan strictly for that. It may be an upfront cost for them, but it will drastically increase the attractiveness of the location, allowing for a quick return on investment. Key PointsInnovative technology continues to grow and transform in excellent ways. Incorporating this should be a part of your plan if you want to stand out and create an incredible living experience for the residents. Active adults and seniors are opening up towards technological advancements and the benefits they have to offer to improve their lives. In fact, this area has become a rising prerequisite when it comes to selecting a senior living community. To keep up with this demand, general contractors need to build strategically while keeping technology in mind to attract residents and supply them with a greatly enhanced community. For more information or if you have any questions regarding your project, please contact FaverGray to obtain professional insight and guidance to bring your development to life.
FaverGray Starts $800 Million of New Construction Projects
The first project is a 3.83 million square foot student housing community near Orlando, Florida. The facility includes two community centers totaling excess of 53,000 square feet. Each community center will serve as a hub for resident recreation and feature amenities including resort-style swimming pools, event and recreational laws, fitness centers and social lounges. FaverGray is scheduled to complete the entire project in May 2023. The second project, West Vue, is a 553,532 square foot, $58 million, 442-unit multifamily community in Orlando, Florida. The facility consists of five, 4-story buildings, a 12,000 square foot amenity center with 2 pools and is scheduled to be complete in May of 2021. The third project, Union on Fletcher, is a 313,292, square foot, $48 million, 660-bed student housing facility in Tampa, Florida. The project consists of two 5-story buildings over 1-story podiums, high-end courtyards with pools, an 8,000 square foot amenity center, a 519-car parking deck and is scheduled to be complete by the summer of 2020. The fourth project, Forest View Village, is a 377,000 square foot, $37, million, 283-unit multifamily community in Walton County, Florida. The facility consists on nine, 3 & 4-story buildings and is scheduled to be complete in August of 2020. The fifth project, Parkside at Estero, is a 246,624 square foot, $27 million, 198-unit multifamily community in Estero, Florida, for ECI, a leader in the development and management of commercial and multifamily properties in the SE U.S. The facility consists of four, 3-story buildings and features detached garages, a 5,000 square foot clubhouse and is scheduled to be complete in May of 2020..
FaverGray Breaks Ground in Columbia, South Carolina
FaverGray, a premier general contractor in both student and multifamily housing markets, is proud to announce construction has started at The Nine at Columbia that will bring 126 new units and 486 new beds to the Columbia community near the University of South Carolina. The 126-unit community consists of a five-story building next to the parking garage and six 2-story townhome buildings. The development has been designed to enhance a luxurious experience with upscale amenities for students in the Columbia community. Highlights include: Sauna Fitness Center Pool and Spa Outdoor BBQ Area Fire Pits FaverGray is scheduled to deliver the project in summer 2021.
Rebuilding Teachers Cottage in Hope Town
Hurricane Dorian was one of the worst recorded hurricanes to strike the Bahamas in early September, leaving behind around $3.4 billion worth of damages that have had monumental negative impacts on those who reside there. The moment this horrendous natural disaster occurred, FaverGray jumped into action, teaming up with The Bailey Group and Vesta Property Services to establish Hope Town Rising, a non-profit organization to help reconstruct Hope Town. FaverGray is one of the top construction firms in Jacksonville, and they have been proactively involved with the initial aftermath clean-up efforts while establishing long term plans to rebuild the town’s critical civic buildings. After diligently working towards their Hope Town Rising monetizing goals and with the help of community support, they are now able to start the next phase. The reconstruction team is currently starting to put their blueprints together to implement restoration of the Teachers Cottage, and support for the school that was destroyed by the hurricane. FaverGray owners, Keith Faver, and James Gray are incredibly excited to get started with executing their rebuilding designs to refurbish the school. The rehabilitation of the Teachers Cottage and school will be one of the most essential undergoing projects to increase the viability of the island. Without a functioning educational establishment, it could drastically reduce location desirability and may result in decreased population counts. This fully invested team understands what is at stake and is devoted to remediating the concern before it impacts the population. In the near future, there will be an action plan kick-off meeting that will be facilitated with FaverGray, Cronk Duch Architects, Elbow Cay Restoration Committee and the school headmaster. This will entail discussing every precise detail and determine the commitments of all parties involved. The final outcome from this meeting will be to have defined scope, the definitive organization in place, and a complete understanding of what supporting needs are to begin Cottage and school construction so that children can return to the island and begin school again. Once the final outline is agreed upon and approved by the Town Council, the FaverGray team will begin their journey by renovating the Cottage and making it habitable again. This will entail an immense amount of effort from this committed team, including providing significant labor and material resources for developing the overall foundation and structural framing. In addition, they will take on managing key trades for electrical, roofing, and any other scope that is deemed necessary to maximize the constructional outcomes. Being able to start the next phase of rebuilding the Cottage and school is such a remarkable accomplishment. Though this team has had tremendous successful breakthroughs and extensive community support, there is still a lot of work to be done. Beyond the Cottage and school, FaverGray understands the years of devotion this construction project will take, but with their personal connection to the town, they are in this for the long-haul. If you wish to donate to this cause, please visit their GoFundMe page to make your contributions. Any little bit will help them reach their Hope Town Rising mission to achieve a full restoration.
FaverGray Announces Promotions and New Hire
James Gray promoted to CEO. Gray co-founded FaverGray in 2005 and has more than 42 years of experience in design and construction management in the residential, commercial and industrial market sectors. As CEO, Gray is responsible for leading the development of FaverGray’s short and long term strategy, creating and implementing FaverGray’s vision and mission, maintaining awareness of the competitive market landscape, evaluating expansion opportunities and industry developments, maintaining social awareness and responsibility within FaverGray’s market sectors, assessing and managing corporate risks and management of banking and surety relationships. Keith Faver promoted to President. Faver co-founded FaverGray in 2005 and has more than 33 years of design-build and construction management experience in the residential, commercial and industrial market sectors. As President, Faver is responsible for implementing and managing corporate strategy and vision, managing overall corporate operations and budgeting, operational risk management, market sector analysis, management of client relationships and large-scale program development and management. Ben Hinson promoted to Executive Vice President. Hinson, an original member of FaverGray dating back to the company’s inception, most recently served as Division Leader of Student Housing and has more than 19 years of experience in the design and construction business. As Executive Vice President, Hinson is responsible for overall project operations, divisional management and support, business development, preconstruction planning and management, contract negotiations, resource allocation and project level financial reporting. Adam Tveras promoted to Vice President of Multi-Family Housing. Tveras, an original member of FaverGray dating back to the company’s inception, most recently served as Division Leader of Multi-Family Housing and has more than 21 years of experience in design/build and construction management in multiple sectors of the industry including commercial, hospitality, education, institutional, multi-family and student housing. As Vice President of Multi-Family Housing, Tveras oversees project development strategies, preconstruction services, customer relations with oversight and support of the Project Director, Director of Construction, project management and field operations to ensure that each project team meets or exceeds their goals and those of the customers. John Kitchens promoted to Division Leader of Student Housing. Kitchens joined FaverGray in 2010, having most recently served as Project Director, he has more than 17 years of construction management and design/build experience. As Division Leader, Kitchens manages divisional operations, project development strategies, preconstruction services, customer relations and oversight of all divisional staff to ensure that each project team meets or exceeds schedule, financial and customer satisfaction objectives. Andy Sork promoted to Project Director. Sork joined FaverGray in 2012, having most recently served as Director of Construction of Multi-Family Housing, he has more than 25 years of development and construction management experience in multi-family housing, student housing, single family, industrial and commercial markets. As Project Director of Multi-Family Housing, Sork is responsible for project management staffing, direct financial and project management oversight and support of his staff. Chris Thomason promoted to Director of Operations. Thomason, an original member of FaverGray dating back to the company’s inception, most recently served as Director of Construction for the Student Housing Division. Thomason has more than 18 years of design/build and construction management experience in the residential, commercial and industrial market sectors. As Director of Operations, Thomason is responsible for developing and managing corporate “best practices” for preconstruction services, project planning, scheduling, safety and quality control programs. Thomason is also responsible for corporate oversight of all divisional field operations and resource allocation to ensure that each project has a successful plan and a complementary staff to achieve corporate performance and financial objectives. James Hill promoted to Director of Construction. Hill, who most recently served as Senior Superintendent for FaverGray, has more than 36 years of field experience in multi-family housing, student housing and commercial construction. As Director of Construction, Hill is responsible field staffing with oversight and support for his staff to ensure that each project has the resources and information to build the projects safely, on time and with quality. Chris Chambers promoted to Superintendent. Having previously served as an Assistant Superintendent, Chambers has more than 18 years of field experience in multi-family and student housing construction. As Superintendent, Chambers is responsible for project safety, schedule assurance, quality and supervision of all project field activities and coordination with the support of project management and the Director of Construction. Adis Ibranovic promoted to Project Manager. Ibranovic joined the company as an Assistant Project Manager in 2016 after graduating from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Building Construction. As Project Manager, Ibanovic manages all stages of project management from procurement through completion while supporting the field staff to ensure the project is built in accordance with the contract documents, on time and within budget. FaverGray is also excited to welcome one addition to enhance marketing outreach and build brand awareness. Paige Johnsen joins as Director of Marketing. Johnsen comes with an eight-year background in both B2B and B2C marketing, advertising, public relations, event management, and video production as a producer, scriptwriter and on-camera host. She will reach the company’s marketing goals by applying her unique combination of content marketing, design and video production expertise.
GoFundMe Campaign for Hurricane Dorian Relief
FaverGray and The Bailey Group team up to provide relief and resources to the Hope Town, Elbow Cay community in the Bahamas. The official release comes after they have announced their GoFundMe Campaign and partnership with Hope Town Rising, an initiative of Community Assistance Foundation (CAF), formed in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas on Sunday, September 1st and left behind a path of destruction. With sustained winds of 185 mph, this was the first category 5 hurricane to hit the Abaco Islands. Since the late 80s, FaverGray co-founders, James Gray and Keith Faver, as well as, The Bailey Group’s President and CEO, Mark Bailey, have traveled to Hope Town, Elbow Cay. Fast forward to 2019 and they share 30 years of cherished memories with the heart and soul of the island – the people. The trio also share a home on the island and have built relationships with sixth generation Bahamians over the last three decades. “We feel a personal responsibility to help the Hope Town Community – they are like family,” says Gray. The group is responsible for transporting 8,000 pounds of supplies, including food, medical supplies, doctors, nurses and EMT personnel to the islands. They’ve established the only full-time, 24-hour-a-day medical clinic to treat those injured in the storm and have seen more than 500 cases. “The accomplishments so far have been a monumental group effort put out by volunteers that have a love and concern for their Abaconian friends that have suffered and lost so much,” says David Surface, CEO of CAF. The organization was created by Jacksonville-based property management company Vesta Property Services in 2009 to provide safety, dignity, comfort and assistance to communities and their members both directly and through service organizations that share their purpose. FaverGray recognizes that this will take years and substantial focus, but they pledge to be at the forefront of reconstruction and the long-term solution. After the medical aspect and patient treatment is fully taken care of, the team will add a downstream strategy and logistics to their focus. FaverGray invites you to join their GoFundMe Campaign to help the Hope Town community. GoFundMe Campaign donations will fulfill the Hope Town Rising Mission.
Hope Town Medical Clinic Visit
Earlier this week, FaverGray and The Bailey Group traveled to the Hope Town, Elbow Cay community in the Bahamas. Last week, the companies launched a GoFundMe Campaign to benefit Hope Town Rising, an initiative of Community Assistance Foundation Inc., formed in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. With sustained winds of 185 mph and higher than 200 mph gusts, Dorian was the first category 5 hurricane the hit the Abaco Islands. One week after Dorian devastated the island, FaverGray co-founders, James Gray and Keith Faver, as well as, The Bailey Group’s President and CEO, Mark Bailey established a medical clinic in Hope Town. To date, the Faver, Gray and Bailey are responsible for transporting 8,000 pounds of supplies to the island. As a board member of Flagler Hospital, Bailey has been vital to the success of this mission. Their focus is specifically on Abaco, not only because their three decades of history with the island, but the size of the island as well. The island is a smaller one among the Abaco Islands and, Jim Gray says, it’s “lower on the totem pole” in terms of relief efforts. On September 16 and 17, Faver, Gray and Bailey traveled to the Bahamas to visit the clinic and to develop a strategic plan going forward. The team bought and supplied a fuel transfer pump, which has been critical to the productivity of the island. Prior to the fuel pump, locals were hand cranking gas. The group also flew in Colby Wright and Hector Luis Guzman of Owen Electric Company, based in St. Augustine, FL. Wright and Guzman worked through difficult conditions and supplied power to Abaco Inn within a few hours of landing on the island. The has enabled the island to produce more fresh water and power generators. FaverGray and The Bailey Group continues to work toward their mission with Hope Town Rising and invites you to join their GoFundMe Campaign. Donations will be designated to the Hope Town Rising Initiative through The Community Assistance Foundation. Visit the GoFundMe Campaign to learn more: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hurricane-dorian-relief-to-bahamas
COVID-19 Message
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on Wednesday, March 11, that the spread of COVID-19 has become a pandemic, which refers to the global reach and impact COVID-19 is currently presenting. Our hearts are with those who have been affected personally by the outbreak as well as the many communities around the world that are experiencing severe measures in the attempt to slow its spread. For 15 years, we have been honored by the trust you place in us to build value and deliver success as your general contractor. At FaverGray, the safety, health, and well-being of our employees is our top priority. At the time of this letter, our main office and job sites have not experienced any impacts, but FaverGray is taking steps to prepare in the following ways: Leveraging Technology:We have the technology in place to make sure our projects are supported and continue to run smoothly. Office employees are working from home and are able to receive emails and phone calls on our regular numbers. Safety On-Site:All project personnel have been discussing and implementing appropriate procedures to establish a plan to maintain sanitary conditions. We have reviewed the OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 provided by our safety consultants. We are limiting jobsite visitors and meeting attendees to only essential staff. We have provided hand washing stations on all projects along with more sanitary toilets that are supplied with hand sanitizer and cleaned frequently. All sites have had a meeting to emphasize the importance of a clean project and sub crew foremen have been advised to monitor their crews and communicate individually to each worker to stay home in the event they are sick or if anyone from their home is sick. Unfortunately, crews will be smaller in order to work with more social distancing between individuals and help prevent the potential spread of the virus. Our intention is to keep all current and future schedules moving forward and our crews working as long as it is safe to do so. We understand that our projects count on us to provide a consistent work force, so our schedules are maintained while also providing the safest workplace practices keeping our clients and their jobsites safe. It is a group effort and we will do our best to maintain consistency on schedules in a safe manner for our customers and our men as we move forward. Restricted Travel:All unnecessary long-distance travel will be restricted, beginning March 17. We have encouraged our Project Management team to meet via video conferencing. Personal Responsibility:Employees in the office are encouraged to apply social distancing and hygiene protocols based on guidance from health authorities and our Global Pandemic Task Force. Each employee must individually commit to keeping themselves safe by keeping their hands clean and away from their face, and cleaning after themselves. We have made a strong emphasis on discouraging employees from coming to work if they feel sick. Communication is Vital:We will be consistently communicating with our clients and partners to ensure we are aligned and working together. Our Project Management team is working with our subcontractors to reduce delays. Any clients or partners that may be impacted by delays will be notified, with updates provided in real time. We realize these are uncertain times as the world navigates this pandemic. We will continue to monitor updates from the CDC and other government agencies closely. We are fully committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our employees. This is our top priority in order to maintain the business continuity needed to provide a high level of support and service that our clients rely on from FaverGray.