Giv Development: Pushing the Boundaries of Real Estate Development

Giv Development is a local development company that takes a community-centric, innovative approach to real estate projects. We sat down with Amanda Dillon, a project manager for the organization, to gather insights on what Giv is all about.

Giv’s Approach

Giv focuses on projects that push the envelope, identifying best practices and making sustainable, community-driven developments replicable. The goal is showing what kinds of projects are possible that will have a strong, positive community impact. For example, Giv recognizes the outsized impact buildings play in contributing to pollution and particularly air quality. Both are a major concern in the Salt Lake Valley. For that reason, they are always looking for better, more sustainable ways to build.

Since Project Open 1, they have built all-electric. They also support exploration into more cutting-edge ways of doing water heating and HVAC systems within the building. Thoughtful design is also a priority, with careful consideration for the surrounding community. “This includes using the ground floors to attract and engage residents and the local community through active uses. We also aim to use high-quality materials, understanding that structures often outlast their expected lifespan. We’re constantly thinking about how much we can influence through the spaces we create,” Amanda explains, elaborating extensively on just a few of the initiatives and strategies Giv employs.

Championing Optimism in Innovation

“In general, we take a holistic approach to our work. When we think about what makes people thrive, be happy, and successful in their lives, housing is just one part of it. But it doesn’t stop there,” Amanda says. She plays a pivotal role in coordinating several GIV projects. Her work spans from initial concept to securing funding to construction and lease up. “As a developer, you constantly have to champion your project and find ways to keep it moving forward. Real estate development projects often face setbacks or close calls throughout their lifecycle before they’re actually completed. We have to be creative, resourceful, and always optimistic, especially when every project is different and trying to prove something new.”

Chris Parker, the founder of Giv, is also involved with the Perpetual Housing Fund, a nonprofit that follows a unique model where 75% of the profits that would typically go to the developer and investment partners are redirected back to the residents living in the projects. So, by living in affordable housing, not only do you pay lower rent, but you also earn back money in a way similar to how homeowners benefit from equity. “This gives renters the opportunity to build wealth, just like homeowners do.”

Another example of Giv’s innovative approach is a free car-share program located at the Citizens West project. Giv recognized the added quality of life and access to transportation that the program could offer. The rotating amenity includes two electric Chevy Bolts. Tenants can reserve these for a couple of hours a day or more. “Beyond just building affordable roofs over people’s heads, we want to improve their lives in other meaningful ways.”

Collaboration with FOCUS: Citizens West

FOCUS Engineering & Surveying recently had the opportunity to work alongside Giv Development on a project called their Citizens West projects. “FOCUS has been a huge help; they were instrumental in ensuring the planning, architectural work, and engineering were all on track for Citizens West phases two and three. They also assisted with Citizens West phase one, working on the civil plans for the entire area and coordinating with the city.”

The project reflects Giv Group’s mission of giving back to communities. The Citizens West project, located in Salt Lake City’s Guadalupe neighborhood, aims to preserve affordability in an area where property values have skyrocketed. As part of the fourth phase of development, a public plaza will be created to address the lack of open spaces in the area. In collaboration with KRCL, a community radio station, a warehouse will be renovated and land will be donated for a community center that hosts events and small shows. The plaza will serve as both a gathering spot for residents and an extension of KRCL’s activities. Altogether, this will help to activate the neighborhood. “FOCUS has been working with us on that for a really long time, and it’s been great to have their support through such a lengthy process.” At FOCUS, we look forward to seeing the changes we can instill in communities alongside GIV moving forward.