Monmouth County Apartment Development Under Way

By Dees Stribling, Contributing Editor

Howell, N.J.—Sterling Properties and AST Development Corp. have broken ground on Verdana Howell, a 220-unit apartment building in Howell, a town in Monmouth County in central New Jersey (and part of the New York MSA). The development will be fully complete in about 18 months, and include 60 affordable housing units.

“Right now, renters are looking for more than just a home,” Rosanne Brooks, Sterling Properties’ director of sales and marketing, tells MHN regarding the recent attitudinal shift among households who might have previously aspired to homeownership without a second thought. “They’re looking for a more carefree, maintenance-free and amenity-rich life.”

Brooks adds that the change in thinking isn’t limited to younger households. “I see Verdana Howell will be appealing to not only young couples just starting out, but also to empty-nesters and retirees, professionals and families,” she says. “Key for today’s renters is the luxury of being able to enjoy the community as a whole, along with a clubhouse atmosphere.”

Verdana Howell will offer one- and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 750 to 1,300 square feet, with amenities such as private entrances, balconies/decks, ceramic tile floors, and various kitchen appliances. Common amenities will include a clubhouse, pool, tennis court and tot lot. The property’s private Residents’ Club will feature a fitness center, billiards room, computer center and clubroom.

The front four acres of 30-acre Verdana Howell site is adjacent to US 9, and have been approved for commercial use up to 30,000 square feet. Brooks notes that significant improvements will be made to the Sunnyside Road intersection, allowing commercial patrons and residents to access and exit Verdana via US 9.