Russo Starts Work on Mixed-Use Project in Northern NJ
Phase I of Vermella Union includes 462 rental apartments, 65,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor amenities and 40,000 square feet of retail space.
By D.C. Stribling, Contributing Editor
Russo Development has broken ground on Vermella Union, a mixed-use development in Union Township, N.J. The property received site plan approval last month, and according to the developer is one of the largest mixed-use developments in northern New Jersey.
The first phase of the project will consist of 462 rental apartments, 65,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor amenities, and 40,000 square feet of retail space. At full build-out, Vermella Union will include over 1,264 apartments and other uses in a campus-style setting.
Russo purchased the 55-acre property, which is adjacent to Kean University and the Union Train Station, from Merck in June. Russo recently sold 13 of the 55 acres to Kean University, which will use the land for additional parking and future development at the school.
Construction
Demolition work is currently underway at the site. Vertical construction of the first phase of Vermella Union is expected to begin in the spring of 2018, with initial occupancy in late 2019.
“Vermella Union is the result of more than three years of collaboration with Union Township,” said Russo Development CEO Edward Russo. “The property was one of the most significant pharmaceutical facilities in the state before becoming vacant several years ago. The transformation of the site into will complement Kean University and the surrounding community.”