George Capodagli, managing member of Capodagli Property Co., spoke Thursday during a groundbreaking ceremony for the firm’s new 145-unit residential project in downtown Linden. — Photos by Jeffrey Vock
By Joshua Burd
Capodagli Property Co. has kicked off the latest project in its fast-growing pipeline — a development that will bring 145 new apartments and a restaurant to its home city of Linden.
The developer on Thursday joined public officials and other well-wishers to break ground at Wood Avenue South and Morris Avenue. Known as Meridia Lifestyles II, the building will rise across the street from an existing complex that Capodagli completed in 2015 and has since brought to full occupancy.
Completion of the latest phase is slated for late 2019, the firm said. When the property opens, it will continue the developer’s focus on catering to middle-market renters, which it feels is an underserved portion of the market.
“That’s important to me — belonging — because I was raised in a family where belonging was important,” said George Capodagli, the firm’s managing member. “And that’s what I’m trying to do and I’m blessed with some great people that made my dreams become reality.”
Meridia Lifestyles II will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and amenities such as a fitness center, community and party rooms, pet care and on-site parking, the company said. Plans also call for a ground-floor restaurant, which will part of a new hospitality concept being developed by Capodagli’s team.
Meridia Lifestyles II, designed by Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers, is also one of several Capodagli projects in the pipeline for Linden and Union County. The developer also plans to purchase, clean up and redevelop the former United Lacquer warehouse property on West Elizabeth Avenue in the city and build more than 300 apartments.
Linden Mayor Derek Armstead hailed Capodagli’s commitment to the city during Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony, especially when it came to the firm’s pledge to revive what has been a “rundown, dilapidated, abandoned property” for more than 30 years.
“That’s going to transform this town,” Armstead said. “And what that’s going to do for this town I can’t even begin to talk about. So we thank you for all you’re doing. And we know that this is just the beginning.”
Capodagli has completed similar Meridia-branded developments in Rahway, Bound Brook, West New York, Hackensack, Dover, Roselle Park and Wallington.
