Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindon Shiao
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
A group of friends with diverse backgrounds (architecture, commercial lending, construction, finance and real estate investments) saw a market opportunity to develop and operate coliving residences in Southern California. Coliving is a community-oriented living model where renters have their own private bedrooms and share common area spaces like kitchen, living room, media room and other amenities. The founders of COHAUS saw a market opportunity to develop a new category of residential real estate while addressing pressing issues of housing supply and affordability in Los Angeles.
The first COHAUS residence was launched in a vibrant part of Highland Park in 2017. Although coliving at the time was still a novel concept with examples found only in cities like New York and San Francisco, COHAUS’s first residence experienced tremendous demand upon launch. The house got fully occupied quickly giving the founders of COHAUS the confidence and the desire to expand. The next project – much larger in scale than the first – was launched the following year in trendy Koreatown and again the market response was extremely positive.
Today, the company operates a portfolio of coliving residences throughout Los Angeles and has a number of projects in the pipeline which will launch later this year.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are always challenges in running any business.
The global pandemic, for example, was a very unsettling time for many. COHAUS was expecting the worse, but fortunately emerged from the pandemic even stronger. Overall net membership increased during the pandemic and the company was financially sound even though it accepted no government aid. In order to safeguard the health and safety of all residents, the company adopted extra procedures and house rules. The response was very positive from all residents — many appreciated the ability to interact socially with housemates in a safe environment during scary and unpredictable times.
Construction during the pandemic was also very challenging. Although construction was allowed to continue as an essential industry during the pandemic, there were many starts and stops with construction sites and the company had to deal with volatile and rising prices during the time. Although disrupted by the pandemic, the company was able to continue to move forward with existing and new projects.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about COHAUS LLC?
COHAUS develops, owns and operates coliving residential throughout Los Angeles. The brand has become recognized for the high quality of its residences, exceptional and practical design, beautifully furnished interiors, the emphasis on and commitment to community within each household, and the high caliber of its residents.
We are proud to provide a market-based living option that exceeds expectations of renters and helps alleviate the affordability issue in Los Angeles.
What matters most to you?
1. Community – we promote social interaction and community within each household. City living can be lonely and our goal is to create happy living environments where people can thrive.
2. Exceptional value proposition – our offering includes beautifully designed and furnished residences in centrally located neighborhoods, built-in community in each household with thoroughly qualified residents, amenities and services (high speed internet, weekly housekeeping, social events, etc.) — all this at a fixed monthly price that is unbeatable compared to any conventional rental in Los Angeles
3. Design – each project is unique and showcases the thoughtfulness and consideration that goes into making each residence suitable for coliving. Whether we are doing conversion or ground-up construction, our spaces are optimized for community living with the right balance of private and common area spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cohaus.com
- Instagram: livecohaus
- Facebook: cohaus
Image Credits
personal photo:
Lindon Shiao (left)
David Chun (right)
Co-founders, COHAUS LLC
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