Jacob Jemal

Architecture + art history, deep operational training in historic assets, and a focused practice in Hudson County historic redevelopment.

2012

Architecture + Art History Studies

Studied architecture and art history — the foundation for a preservation-first mindset and a love of proportion, material honesty, and the long arc of craft.

2014–2021

Douglas Development

Ran property management, project management, and construction management across 200+ properties. Supported and executed major historic redevelopments, including complex, high-budget projects (often $100M+), with a focus on getting hard work done inside real buildings with real constraints.

Operations + owner’s rep style execution
Complex scopes across trades and consultants
Historic fabric: repair, stabilization, and adaptive reuse delivery

2022

Founded Wayne Development Company

Founded Wayne Development in Jersey City to focus on historic redevelopment in Hudson County — pairing preservation commission / approvals fluency with craft-led execution and rigorous project controls.

Historic restoration + brownstones + adaptive reuse
Approvals coordination and permitting support
Owner-operated, detail-driven delivery

Hobbies

Jacob is a father and husband. He enjoys playing tennis, playing guitar, reading old books, studying old logic, playing with his kids, going for drives with his family in his 1970 VW camper van, and spending time at the beach. His favorite coffee shop in Jersey City is Dames Coffee Shop on Jersey Ave.

Working on a historic building in Jersey City?

Email is best for first touch: jacob@waynedevelop.com