The Gateways at Randolph — Courtesy: Value Cos.
By Joshua Burd
The state’s booming multifamily sector has been on display in recent weeks as developers and property managers celebrate their newest awards from the New Jersey Apartment Association.
The organization recognized dozens of properties and industry professionals as part of its annual Garden State Awards gala, which took place Nov. 8 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch. Several recipients have touted the honors in recent weeks:
Value Cos. Inc.
The Clifton-based owner and manager took home multiple awards, including the Excellence in Property Management distinction for its Gateways at Randolph property. Meantime, the properties known as 140 Mayhill Apartments, Arla Apartments, Dorchester Manor and Saddle Brook Apartments were cited for Excellence in Curb Appeal.
The Value Cos. maintenance professionals honored as winners in the Maintenance Supervisor category included Wojciech Cebula, Jarek Halajko, Piotr Maj, Piotr Mroz, Szymon Jedryczka, Johnny Rodriguez and Thomas Zieba.
“The tireless efforts of our talented staff ensure our tenants receive the highest level of customer service and an incredibly comfortable living environment,” said Jack Linefsky, vice president of property management for Value Cos. “Their hard work is directly responsible for our ability to maintain excellent standards of property maintenance, tenant relations, management, leasing and beyond.
“We are extremely grateful to be recognized by our peers in the apartment industry year after year and these important acknowledgements affirm their work has not gone unnoticed.”
Steel Works
In Harrison, the NJAA recognized the partnership of Advance Realty and DeBartolo Development with three awards for their recently opened, 286-unit property known as Steel Works. Managed by Greystar, the community won in the Curb Appeal, Operational Excellence and Corporate and Property Website categories.
“Since we first opened the doors at Steel Works last year, we knew it was the kind of unique and exceptional project that could attract renters from across the New York Metropolitan Area,” said Daniel Cocoziello, Advance Realty’s vice president of development. “We have seen tremendous interest in the building — leasing all of our 286 homes within just a few months — and these awards are another testament to the incredible appeal of both Steelworks and the growing Riverbend District.”

The joint venture touted the property’s amenities, high-end interior design and features such as a built-in Amazon Echo Dot equipped with “Alexa” voice service in each unit, along with its proximity to the refurbished Harrison PATH station.
“Steel Works represents everything today’s renter desires — from accessibility to public transit to thoughtful design and first-class amenities,” said Oscar Morales, general manager for Steel Works. “We’re thrilled to see this deserving community receive NJAA’s prestigious accolades, and consider it a true testament to our extraordinary partnership with Advance Realty and DeBartolo Development.”
Steel Works is Advance and DeBartolo’s first luxury apartment building in Harrison’s 35-acre Riverbend District, a multiphase development that is growing into a mixed-use destination for restaurants, retail and entertainment. Upon completion, the district will include 3,000 luxury homes and 100,000 square feet of retail space, including the 286-unit Cobalt Lofts, which opened last month.
“New Jersey has an incredibly competitive residential market, which makes the NJAA’s recognition of Steel Works all the more special,” said Steve Shaw, senior vice president of development at DeBartolo Development. “We are extremely proud of every member of our team for working hard to separate this building from the competition, and look forward to future successes as we continue bringing our vision for the Riverbend District to life.”
Sterling Properties
Three upscale apartment neighborhoods in Sterling Properties’ rental portfolio also won awards in the Excellence in Curb Appeal category. The 25th annual NJAA gala recognized properties including Riverbend in Florham Park, Bellclair in Montclair and The Woods at East Windsor.
“It is an honor to be recognized from colleagues within our own industry,” said Wendy Qualy, director of property management for Sterling Properties. “We take great pride in the communities we build and manage, and these awards are a testament to the entire team of professionals that work tirelessly to ensure our neighborhoods are atheistically pleasing and our residents have the ultimate rental experience. We greatly appreciate the acknowledgment from our peers.”
