Vermella Union at 2 Vermella Way in Union Township — Courtesy: Russo Development
By Joshua Burd
Russo Development has launched leasing at a collection of 427 new apartments in Union Township, following the success of an earlier phase at a sprawling project along Morris Avenue.
The newest offering at Vermella Union, located at 2 Vermella Way, figures to benefit from the site’s location next to the Union train station and Kean University, plus a long list of amenity spaces and adjacent retail buildings. Phase one, which has 415 units, leased up in less than 15 months.
“Our leasing velocity proved our theory that our high-end product was very attractive to both local residents as well as renters from New York City, The Gold Coast and other New Jersey suburbs,” said Adam Pasternack, president of Russo Property Management. “Vermella Union has fit a diverse array of renters’ needs and each phase of our development will have its own nuances to ensure that there is a rental option that meets everyone’s expectations with unique differentiating factors.”
Residents of phase two will have access to what’s known as the Union Club, an amenity building with a multisport simulator, a screening room, a demonstration kitchen and a high-end fitness center and yoga studio, among others. Outdoor spaces include a pool and sundeck, plus a rooftop with game areas and fire pits.
The adjacent retail section, The Shoppes at Vermella, has drawn tenants such as Chipotle, Panera Bread, Habit Burger, Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, &Pizza and CVS.
“The way so many industries do business and how people interact with each other, and their living spaces have changed pretty drastically over the past 18 months,” Pasternack said. “Our portfolio is expanding dramatically and the demand for that type of live/work/play housing has not slowed down. We’re keeping our current and future residents’ lifestyle needs in mind as we forge ahead.”
At full build-out, the property will span 1,250 apartments across the 42-acre site, which was once home to a massive Merck complex before Russo acquired it in 2017. The parcel is minutes from the Garden State Parkway and a short drive from the New Jersey Turnpike and Newark Liberty International Airport.
