Plans for OneWest Apartments call for 334 upscale apartments and 13,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space at North Wood and West Elizabeth avenues in Linden. — Rendering courtesy: MORDEVCO Cos. LLC
By Joshua Burd
Construction is underway on a new mixed-use project that will bring 334 apartments to downtown Linden, in what will be another addition to the city’s luxury housing stock.
Its developer, MORDEVCO Cos. LLC, joined March Associates Construction and local officials last week to break ground on the project at North Wood and West Elizabeth avenues. Plans for the seven-story, 569,000-square-foot building call for a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes and 13,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, bringing new life to a roughly 1.86-acre site that housed a historic retail plaza.
Residents of what will be known as OneWest Apartments, which represents an investment of more than $120 million, will be steps from NJ Transit’s Linden station.
“Housing is a critical goal for Linden,” Mayor Derek Armstead said. “I am excited to have my colleagues’ support from city council with our shared vision for this major redevelopment project.”
He added that the project’s 30,000-square-foot amenity deck “will be a sanctuary for leisure and comfort” with a swimming pool, picturesque landscaping and hardscape, an outdoor pavilion, grilling and fire pit areas and other spaces, including a high-end fitness center and a business center.”
As the developer noted, the site was the longtime home of the Elwood Plaza retail center housing a QuickChek, Linden Retail Specialty Pharmacy, Carvel, Big Blues Sub and other businesses. The Clarke family owned the property for nearly 100 years, prompting its nickname as “the Clarke property.”
Completion for the new building is slated for spring 2026. The developer has secured a 30-year payment in lieu of taxes agreement with the city.
“We greatly appreciate Mayor Armstead and the council for providing us the opportunity to develop a premier transit-oriented landmark at OneWest Apartments,” said Ron Morriello, president of MORDEVCO Cos. “This project is envisioned as the cornerstone of a true transit-oriented development, promoting continued economic growth and serving as the crown jewel of downtown Linden. Our goal is to help transform Linden into a destination city with a vibrant downtown, and to enhance the quality of life for residents, visitors, commuters and workers. We will continue to work closely with key stakeholders to ensure Linden’s success.”
