Palo Alto based Rapp Development has been a leader in commercial Class A development concentrated in the Silicon Valley market. Founded by Roxy Rapp, 25 years ago, whose passion is to build unique and sophisticated commercial properties, which breathe life into communities, and shape the way we relate to our surroundings
Rapp Development has completed over 30 projects, ranging from mixed-use, Retail/Office concepts, to high-end office buildings built for a unique tenant. Known for our unique creativity and expertise in add-value redevelopment, and historical preservation and renovation, Rapp Development has created a current portfolio and owns and operates 245,000 Square Feet throughout the Bay Area.
Rapp Development is a commercial development firm with roots in Palo Alto. With an early focus on the retail industry, Roxy has developed more than thirty projects, ranging from mixed-use, retail/office projects and parking structures to high-end office buildings. Roxy has been involved with the acquisition of over 25 buildings in the downtown Palo Alto submarket since the early 1980’s with a value of over 250 million. Rapp Development currently owns and operates over 275,000 Square Feet.
Palo Alto native, Roxy Rapp was born into retail. As a young boy, he worked in his parents’ downtown Palo Alto shoe store, Rapp’s Shoes, starting as a stock boy and working his way to the sales floor helping customers. After graduating from Menlo College, Roxy opened his first retail store in downton Palo Alto. In the early 1970’s, he founded the Athletic Shoe Factory that he grew into a 68 store chain throughout the Western United States.
Since the early 1980’s, Roxy has utilized his retail experience, love of historical buildings and deep knowledge of the Mid-Peninsula market to develop more than 30 commercial projects. From mixed-use, retail/office projects to parking structures and high-end office buildings, Roxy rolls up his sleeves and gets involved in all aspects of his projects.
Roxy Rapp generously contributes his knowledge and experience to many local organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors of Menlo College, The Private Bank of the Peninsula, and Friends of the Junior Museum and Zoo. He was instrumental in designing, funding and rebuilding Lytton Plaza. He was also a Board Member of the Trees for El Camino Project and the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce.
Chase Rapp grew up around development and construction sites, which helped form his passion for real estate, architecture, and most of all, Class A commercial development.
His previous work experience includes working as an analyst for Marcus & Millichap commercial real estate in Silicon Valley for two summers. While attending New York University, Chase worked full time as a licensed broker for Tungsten Properties in Manhattan. His focus was on tenant and landlord representation within the fashion and tech industry. Chase received a B.S. Degree in Real Estate Development from NYU Shack Institute of Real Estate.
Chase is now focusing on new development opportunities, as well as day-to-day operations at Rapp Development.