A project known as Blue Hill at Watchung is slated to bring 230 luxury apartments to a nearly 42-acre site on Bonnie Burn Road in Watchung. — Rendering courtesy: Sterling Properties
By Joshua Burd
A joint venture has closed on the site of a planned six-building, $104 million project that will bring 230 luxury apartments to Watchung, where construction is now underway.
Marcus Partners, the Boston-based real estate firm, said Tuesday that it has partnered with Sterling Properties and Danbro Properties to develop about half of a 41.8-acre tract on Bonnie Burn Road, about a half-mile from Route 22. The developers are now eyeing a late 2026 delivery for the first homes at what’s known as Blue Hill at Watchung, which will include 46 units reserved as affordable housing.
Sterling and Danbro entitled the project, which was designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners. First Citizens Bank provided financing, while JLL’s Jon Mikula, Jim Cadranell and Michael Lachs arranged the debt and equity capital.
“Sterling and Danbro have demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in bringing Blue Hill at Watchung to this stage,” said David Fiore, principal and New York regional director of Marcus Partners. “We are excited to partner with these experienced developers to deliver a unique project to the Watchung community as we continue our program of developing quality multifamily communities in supply-constrained markets.”
According to a news release, the complex will have six elevator-served residential buildings and a central amenity clubhouse with a pool, a fitness center, coworking spaces and indoor and outdoor lounges, among others. That figures to draw a broad demographic, including empty nesters from within the community and new residents relocating from urban areas.
The developers touted the location’s immediate access to Interstate 78 and Route 22, adding that it’s adjacent to The Park, the sprawling mixed-use campus owned by The Connell Co. It’s also northwest of the landmark Blue Star Shopping Center.
Additionally, some 20 acres of the tract will be preserved as conservation land, the joint venture said, providing a natural buffer and estate-like setting that the firms say is not commonly found in northern New Jersey multifamily properties.
“Blue Hill at Watchung will be the first luxury multifamily community delivered in Watchung in nearly a decade,” said Steven W. Katz, co-founding principal of Sterling. “The community will bring a Class A product to a highly desirable, underserved marketplace.”
Kevin X. Codey, founder of Danbro Properties, added: “We are thrilled to partner with esteemed firms like Sterling Properties and Marcus Partners to bring Blue Hill at Watchung to the marketplace. Despite navigating a complex entitlement process and challenging capital market environment, we are excited to bring this vibrant community to life.”
