Developer Bobby Fijan Aims to Retain Families in Urban Centers with Targeted Housing Solutions

Philadelphia, PA – Real estate developer Bobby Fijan, founder of Form Developers, is championing a mission to construct family-friendly housing in urban environments, aiming to empower young people to raise children without relocating to the suburbs. Fijan articulated this vision in a recent interview with American Moment, stating, "The mission of my company is to build housing for families in places where young people already live."

Fijan emphasized his desire to challenge the traditional notion that parenthood necessitates a move out of the city. "I don't want people to think having a kid means you MUST move out. Have a baby and stay," he conveyed, highlighting a commitment to urban family retention. His company, Form Developers, utilizes data technology for apartment floorplan optimization, focusing on ground-up multifamily and mixed-use projects.

Form Developers leverages an extensive database of dimensionalized apartments to identify optimal interior and dimensional attributes that maximize net operating income for new developments. The company has contributed to over 15,000 units across major U.S. metropolitan areas, working with various developers and family offices. Their investment strategy prioritizes patient capital in urban core and high-barrier-to-entry suburban markets.

Fijan's advocacy for family-sized apartments addresses a critical gap in the urban housing market, where smaller units for single individuals or roommates have long predominated. A recent paper co-authored by Fijan and the Institute for Family Studies, based on a 6,000-person survey, suggests a significant demand for diverse apartment layouts that can accommodate families at different life stages, beyond just three or four-bedroom units. This research indicates that open-plan apartments, common in recent construction, primarily appeal to childless residents.

Prior to Form Developers, Fijan co-founded Cross Properties in 2011, where he gained extensive experience in real estate development, and later co-founded Tailorbird, a construction technology company. His efforts with Form Developers are geared towards creating communities where families can flourish for generations, providing an alternative to the traditional suburban migration for those starting families.