Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Commercial Real Estate Development in Palo Alto
Rapp Development has been a leader in commercial Class A development concentrated in the Silicon Valley market for over 25 years. Founded by Roxy Rapp, our firm specializes in creating unique and sophisticated commercial properties that breathe life into communities and shape the way people interact with their surroundings. With a portfolio of over 30 completed projects, including mixed-use retail/office concepts and high-end office buildings, we combine creativity and expertise in add-value redevelopment, historical preservation, and renovation. Our team owns and operates 275,000 square feet of commercial space throughout the Bay Area, leveraging deep local market knowledge and decades of experience. Roxy Rapp's career began in retail, working in his family's Palo Alto shoe store before founding a 68-store athletic shoe chain.This early experience, combined with his passion for historical buildings, has driven our firm's success since the 1980s. We contribute to local organizations through board memberships and community projects like Lytton Plaza. Our current leadership includes Chase Rapp, who brings expertise in commercial real estate from his work at Marcus & Millichap and Tungsten Properties. Our approach involves hands-on involvement in all project aspects, ensuring quality and alignment with community needs. This commitment to excellence and community impact defines our legacy in Silicon Valley's evolving commercial landscape.
Services
Mixed-Use Development
Retail/Office Projects
Historical Renovation
High-End Office Buildings
Class A Commercial Development
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have 25+ years of experience in Silicon Valley commercial development
- Our portfolio includes 30+ completed projects totaling 275,000+ square feet
- Specialists in historical preservation and value-add redevelopment projects
- Third-generation Palo Alto real estate expertise with local market insights
- Hands-on leadership involved in every aspect of project execution
Services
Mixed-Use Development
We create integrated mixed-use developments combining retail and office spaces that enhance community connectivity. Our projects feature modern designs tailored to local market demands while maintaining historical elements where appropriate. With over 30 completed projects, we deliver functional spaces that maximize property value and tenant satisfaction.
Historical Renovation
Our expertise preserves historical buildings' character while modernizing infrastructure for contemporary use. We specialize in adaptive reuse projects that maintain architectural integrity while meeting current commercial standards. This approach has revitalized key properties in Palo Alto's downtown corridor and surrounding areas.
High-End Office Buildings
We develop sophisticated office environments designed for modern businesses' technical and aesthetic requirements. Our Class A buildings feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, and premium finishes that attract top-tier tenants in Silicon Valley's competitive market.
Commercial Redevelopment
Our redevelopment focus transforms underperforming properties into profitable assets through strategic renovations and design improvements. We identify opportunities to enhance functionality, increase occupancy rates, and optimize property value across various commercial asset classes.
Portfolio Management
We manage a 275,000-square-foot commercial portfolio with hands-on oversight of day-to-day operations. Our approach combines proactive maintenance, tenant relations, and financial management to maximize long-term asset performance across diverse property types in the Bay Area market.
People
Roxy Rapp
Founder
Third-generation Palo Alto native with 40+ years in retail and real estate. Founded Athletic Shoe Factory chain before transitioning to commercial development in the 1980s. Serves on multiple local boards and led Lytton Plaza redevelopment.
Chase Rapp
Development Associate
Second-generation real estate professional with experience at Marcus & Millichap and Tungsten Properties. Holds BS in Real Estate Development from NYU. Focuses on new development opportunities and daily operations at Rapp Development.
Questions
What types of commercial projects does Rapp Development specialize in?
We focus on mixed-use retail/office developments, historical renovations, and high-end Class A office buildings throughout Silicon Valley.
How long has Rapp Development been operating in Palo Alto?
Our firm has been active in the Palo Alto market since the early 1980s, with over 25 years as a formal development company.
What distinguishes Rapp Development from other commercial developers?
Our unique combination of historical preservation expertise, local market knowledge, and hands-on leadership approach sets us apart in the industry.
Can Rapp Development handle complex historical building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in preserving historical elements while modernizing infrastructure to meet current commercial requirements and standards.
What is Rapp Development's current portfolio size?
We currently own and operate over 275,000 square feet of commercial property across the Bay Area.
