A rendering of a lobby at Vermella Union in Union — Courtesy: Russo Development
By Joshua Burd
Russo Development has opened the doors to the first piece of what will be more than 1,200 luxury apartments adjacent to Kean University and the Union train station.
The firm on Thursday announced that the first residents have moved into the complex, Vermella Union, after delivering the first residential phase last month. The property has attracted more than 20 leases from a pre-opening priority waiting list and is now open to the general public, offering a wealth of amenities and a new retail component on the site.
Russo said earlier this year that the first residential phase at Vermella Union, which sits off Morris Avenue, would include 415 units. The property will ultimately span 1,250 apartments across the 42-acre site, which was once home to sprawling Merck complex before Russo acquired it in 2017.
“We analyzed the residential needs in Union and the surrounding areas and determined that it lacked an upscale option that would appeal to commuters, young professionals, empty nesters and individuals affiliated with the university,” said Adam Pasternack, president of Russo Property Management. “This is not your average apartment community. It’s modern living taken to a completely higher level.”
Vermella Union offers layouts ranging from studios to three bedrooms, all of them with high-end interiors. On-site amenities include a resident lounge, a multisport simulator and game room, along with a private business lounge, a screening room, a children’s playroom and a demonstration kitchen.
Adjacent to the property is a new 35,000-square-foot retail center that is home to a Panera Bread, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Starbucks, among other stores. The community also benefits from a location steps from the Union train station and minutes from the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike.
Russo inks leases with Chipotle, Panera at mixed-use Union project
