Greystar

Location
Mid-Atlantic

Industry
Real Estate Development

Seamless Signage Solutions Across Multiple Premium Lifestyle Developments

Seamless Signage Solutions Across Multiple Premium Lifestyle Developments

Greystar, one of the nation’s largest residential mixed-use developers, partnered with Gable to deliver unique signage solutions across four distinctive lifestyle properties in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gable continues to be actively engaged in developing comprehensive signage and wayfinding programs for current and future properties throughout their portfolio.

The Challenge

Each Greystar property presented unique aesthetic needs and demographic targets, along with the added complexity of coordinating multiple designers and contractors. Utilizing a design-build approach, Gable streamlined the process, and delivered tailored visual communication solutions that aligned with Greystar’s vision of creating welcoming spaces for residents that reflect the character of the property and surrounding neighborhood:

  • Illume Capitol Yards (Washington, D.C.): An 11-acre, 750-unit development including landmark exterior elements
  • The Lucie (Baltimore, MD):  A 500-unit residential building incorporating sophisticated urban aesthetics
  • The Commodore (Arlington, VA): A 423-unit mixed-use development with retail integration
  • Otis (Richmond, VA): Modern, industrially-styled apartments with cohesive branding
real estate development

Illume Capital Yards
Washington, D.C.

An 11-acre, 750-unit development including landmark exterior elements

The Lucie
Baltimore, MD

A 500-unit residential building incorporating sophisticated urban aesthetics

The Commodore
Arlington, VA

A 423-unit mixed-use development with retail integration

Otis
Richmond, VA

Modern, industrially-styled apartments with cohesive branding

The Gable Advantage: Design-Build Integration

As a full-service design-build visual communications company, Gable brought several key advantages to these projects:

  • Integrated Design & Manufacturing: In-house design and fabrication teams collaborate from day one, ensuring designs are both innovative and executable
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Gable’s internal estimating department verifies pricing throughout the process, maintaining budget adherence
  • Streamlined Process: Single point of responsibility from concept through installation
  • Schedule Flexibility: Ability to coordinate seamlessly with general contractors and adapt to changing timelines
  • Detailed Documentation: Integrated tracking systems ensure project continuity and clarity of team communication
  • Expertise: Decades of experience delivering visual solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the real estate sector

With Gable, the focus is always on delivering a smooth process and exceptional results, on time and within budget.

Innovation in Action

Each Greystar property presented unique challenges that required creative problem-solving and technical expertise. Gable’s design-build approach enabled the development of innovative solutions that not only met functional requirements but enhanced the distinctive character of each property:

Signature Creative Solutions

Illume Capitol Yards: Custom 30-foot origami-inspired entrance structure

The Lucie: Hand-painted large-scale branding

The Commodore: Illuminated exterior identification

Otis: Custom neon installation and industrially-inspired ADA signage

Comprehensive Technical Packages

Wayfinding systems integrating brand aesthetics

Code-compliant signage meeting jurisdiction-specific requirements

Parking garage navigation solutions

Interior identification and ADA-compliant signage

In the Client’s Words

"As a developer, I've faced the complexities of procuring signage for our properties, often finding it daunting to coordinate architects, general contractors, engineers, and various consultants. Gable presented a compelling design-build approach. They started collaborating much earlier in the process than we typically do and gave us recommendations for sign locations, innovative design concepts, and samples. The approval process for hundreds of interior and exterior signs was easy! Notably, they have been among the few contractors who consistently meet our budget requirements and were flexible with schedules, transforming a typically challenging process into a smooth and efficient experience."
Mary Grace
Development Associate, Greystar

In the Client’s Words

"As a developer, I've faced the complexities of procuring signage for our properties, often finding it daunting to coordinate architects, general contractors, engineers, and various consultants. Gable presented a compelling design-build approach. They started collaborating much earlier in the process than we typically do and gave us recommendations for sign locations, innovative design concepts, and samples. The approval process for hundreds of interior and exterior signs was easy! Notably, they have been among the few contractors who consistently meet our budget requirements and were flexible with schedules, transforming a typically challenging process into a smooth and efficient experience."
Mary Grace
Development Associate, Greystar

Unique Properties, Unique Solutions

Unique Properties, Unique Solutions

Illume Capitol Yards

Washington, D.C.

Global real estate leader Greystar partnered with Gable to create a landmark residential development in Washington D.C.’s dynamic Navy Yard neighborhood—Illume Capitol Yards. The project showcases how sophisticated design can transform an 11-acre campus into a cohesive community, anchored by a striking 30-foot origami-inspired entrance structure.

Gable played a key role in enhancing the branding for the project, ensuring a unified visual identity complementing the architecture and aesthetic of the space. This collaboration exemplifies Greystar’s commitment to creating distinctive living spaces that elevate the resident experience.

The Design of the Finished Illume Structure

Project Scope: 750 residential units across three buildings on an 11-acre campus

The Vision: Create a branded signage package and distinctive visual identity for an upscale urban development while managing complex wayfinding needs across multiple buildings and a sprawling campus.

Signature Elements:

  • Landmark 30-foot Origami Structure: Custom-designed entrance monument translating brand aesthetics into three-dimensional art
  • Illuminated Canopy: Edge-lit halo effect entrance feature with automotive-grade finish
  • Integrated Wayfinding: System connecting three buildings, underground parking, and amenities

Innovation Spotlight: Developed a temporary signage solution using high-quality printed materials to meet certificate of occupancy requirements during construction, allowing for flexibility in final installation timing.

Tailored Solution: Gable created wayfinding systems that uniquely differentiated the two buildings while keeping the overall brand and finish palette consistent across the property.

The Lucie

Baltimore, MD

As part of their expanding Mid-Atlantic portfolio, Greystar engaged Gable to develop and execute a sophisticated visual identity for their premier Baltimore property—The Lucie. This project challenged Gable to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, featuring custom hand-painted architectural elements that set new standards for urban luxury developments. The result perfectly embodies Greystar’s vision for creating distinctive, upscale living environments.

The Lucie Illuminated Entrance Sign

Project Scope: 500-unit luxury residential building with premium amenity spaces

The Vision: Translate sophisticated brand guidelines into a cohesive signage system that enhances the property’s luxury positioning.

Signature Elements

  • Architectural Branding: Custom-painted logo on metal facade using specialized techniques
  • Premium Interior Signs: Acrylic and aluminum construction with powder-coated wood grain effects and graphic treatments
  • Integrated Parking Solutions: Comprehensive system including illuminated entrance features, color-coded wayfinding and reflective directionals

Innovation Spotlight: Developed unique painting methodology for uneven metal surfaces, ensuring long-term durability while maintaining design integrity.

Collaboration Success: Gable worked closely with Greystar’s branding and marketing team to transform conceptual designs into executable solutions without compromising creative vision.

“I enjoyed being the PM on The Lucie project. It’s fulfilling to have a client that pushes you creatively and allows enough freedom where your input makes a difference. Greystar provided fantastic concepts for inspiration that lent to using a blend of traditional techniques and modern processes. The results look classic yet of-the-moment and were a perfect match for their building. Emphasis on style, quality, and function – Greystar and Gable are a great collaborative fit.”
Alyssa Hankins
Project Coordinator, Gable

The Commodore

Arlington, VA

Greystar’s vision for modern urban living comes to life in this sophisticated Arlington development—The Commodore, where residential luxury meets retail convenience. The project showcases Greystar’s expertise in creating integrated mixed-use environments that enhance the resident experience while serving the broader community. Gable’s design-build team delivered a cohesive visual communication system that elegantly bridges these distinct spaces.

Project Scope: 423-unit mixed-use development with 18,000 sq ft retail space

The Vision: Create seamless navigation between residential and retail spaces while maintaining distinct identities for each.

 Signature Elements

  • Illuminated Address Feature: Building-mounted identity signage
  • Custom Retail Navigation: Hand-painted wayfinding elements

Innovation Spotlight: Developed custom paint applications for parking areas, creating engaging environmental graphics that enhance the user experience while meeting practical needs.

Technical Integration: Successfully integrated multiple sign types across 20 floors and three parking levels while maintaining code compliance and brand standards.

Otis

Richmond, VA

When Greystar sought to create a residential community honoring Richmond’s industrial heritage and the surrounding Scott’s Addition neighborhood, the global real estate firm partnered with Gable to bring its vision to life for the new property. For Otis, Gable’s design-build team translated a modern living concept into distinctive environmental elements, including a custom LED faux neon installation and contemporary design features that authentically capture the neighborhood’s character. The result demonstrates how thoughtful signage and graphics can enhance a property’s connection to its historical context while delivering a thoroughly modern residential experience.

real estate development

Project Scope: Modern industrial-style apartment and townhome community

The Vision: Blend industrial aesthetics with contemporary design elements to create a distinctive community identity.

Signature Elements

  • Custom LED Faux Neon Installation: Signature lobby feature integrating with environmental graphics
  • Modern Wayfinding: Contemporary system aligned with industrial aesthetic
  • Integrated ADA Solutions: Compliance meeting aesthetic standards

Innovation Spotlight: Engineered concealed access panels for neon signage maintenance while preserving the clean lines of the lobby design.

Technical Integration: Successfully coordinated complex electrical and mounting requirements for the neon installation while maintaining the integrity of the lobby’s design aesthetic.

The Results

Through collaboration between Greystar and multiple general contracting teams, Gable designed, fabricated, and optimized visual communication solutions that seamlessly aligned with Greystar’s goal of creating inviting and unique living spaces.

"Gable has been fortunate to be part of an ongoing collaborative relationship with the team at Greystar. We continue to work closely with key team members across the company creating and delivering memorable signage and graphic packages for multi-family projects throughout the mid-Atlantic region."
Jack Hulme Headshot
Jack Hulme
Creative Director, Gable

Strategic Partnership Benefits

As a trusted Greystar partner throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, Gable delivered comprehensive solutions for each property by combining innovation and efficiency. The visual communications company’s integrated approach provided distinct advantages:

  • Streamlined Process: Early collaboration eliminates traditional project bottlenecks and accelerates delivery
  • Simplified Management: A single point of contact reduces coordination complexity
  • Quality Assurance: Consistent standards maintained across multiple properties
  • Timeline Control: Flexible scheduling meets aggressive development timelines
  • Budget Optimization: Integrated estimating ensures cost-effective solutions
  • Value Enhancement: Innovative design solutions that elevate property aesthetics

Gable’s proven track record with Greystar properties demonstrates the ability to deliver sophisticated signage solutions while managing the complex demands of multi-family residential developments. This experience, combined with Gable’s comprehensive design-build capabilities, ensured a successful outcome for every project.

Greystar Key Contributors at Gable

Ross Hancock

Senior Vice President of Business Development

Jack Hulme Headshot
Jack Hulme

Creative Director ‑ 
Environmental Graphic Design

Virgil Stephens

Project Manager

Alyssa Hankins

Project Coordinator

To learn how our team can bring our design-build expertise to your next real estate development project, contact us online or reach our Solutions Consultants by phone at 800-854-0568.

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