Building Futures: Jake Dietrich on Sustainable Development and Community Engagement

In this episode of The Stash Cast, host Stash invites Jake Dietrich from Onyx + East for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of commercial real estate and proptech. Jake shares his journey in the real estate industry, highlighting his background in architecture and development, and how it's been influenced by his upbringing in Columbus, Indiana, a city known for its architectural significance.

Jake discusses the transition from working with Milhouse to founding Onyx + East, focusing on urban and suburban housing development. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of projects like the transformation of Walnut Hills and the strategic approach to engaging with communities to ensure development projects are well-received.

Jake emphasizes the importance of understanding the local market, the role of schools in site selection, and the necessity of delivering high-quality, sustainable housing. He touches upon the impact of rising construction costs and the future of housing development, including the potential of mass timber and modular construction.

The discussion also covers the critical role of incentives in making projects feasible, the strategic approach to site acquisition, and the significance of building relationships with brokers who view developers as partners rather than transactions.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the nuanced world of real estate development, highlighting the importance of community engagement, sustainability, and innovation in shaping the future of housing.