Corporate travel has its perks. Thrilling locales, new experiences, and passport stamps are just a few takeaways from life on the road. Yet for traveling professionals with longer assignments, housing can be the least exciting part of the job. One company aims to improve corporate housing one unit at a time. Seattle-based Synergy Global Housing specializes in a “left of center” approach to employee accommodations. The company garners feedback from real traveling professionals in order to create temporary housing that feels like home—maybe even a bit better. A new Synergy property in Paulo Alto combines several of the latest concepts from the company’s idea incubator: Transport Made Easy Synergy paired with PUBLIC boutique bike manufacturer in San Francisco to create the Gear Wall. Amongst custom storage compartments and living plants hangs a shiny red bike. It entices residents to take it out for a spin. “It is our hope that these bikes also encourage guests to go outside of their apartment communities and see more of the world beyond their window view,” states the Synergy blog. The bicycle fills multiple voids, allowing users to gain quick access to the workplace and local businesses while fitting in a quick workout. The slower mode of travel can help residents learn more about the neighborhood and improve integration. Unique to You Rather than a one-size-fits-all design scheme, Synergy Palo Alto units come with a variety of aesthetics from which to choose. Themes include, but are not limited to, vintage, contemporary, sporty, and elegant. Residents can choose the unit style that most closely appeals to their lifestyle. The curated designs elevate housing standards beyond cookie-cutter hotels, helping travelers feel comfortable in their new space. Family First Time away from loved ones is often cited as one of the...

Facebook employees in California are about to find out what it means to reside in a modern version of the historic “company town”. The social media giant is working with Yardi client St. Anton Partners, a local multi-family development and investment company, to develop an upscale multi-housing complex within walking distance of Facebook’s existing Menlo Park headquarters and their new West Campus, which is currently under construction. Designed by national architecture firm KTGY Group, Inc., the multifamily compound was envisioned as a cohesive live/work/play environment where practical design meets style and comfort. Dubbed Anton Menlo, the infill redevelopment project represents the Menlo Park City’s first significant new apartment building in over 20 years. “At over 630,000 sq. ft., this project is one of the largest new construction rental residential projects in the state. We’re pleased to bring it to where housing is needed most,” noted Peter Geremia, co-founder of St. Anton Partners, in a written statement. The site recently received its final zoning approval from the City Council and is currently in the design review phase with City staff, according to official statements. “We are thrilled to have new housing options coming to the City of Menlo Park to serve the Silicon Valley and the Marsh Road and Willow Road business areas,” said City of Menlo Park Mayor Peter Ohtaki. “Providing new housing opportunities for employees working in the area will allow people to live where they work and to spend more time enjoying this great city.” To be located on a piece of formerly industrial land, a 10-acre tract near Marsh Road off of Highway 101, the $120 million community will comprise 394 apartment homes primarily designed to meet the needs of today’s sophisticated renters. It will offer a mix of floor plans...