Vermella Woodbridge at 6000 Vermella Way in Woodbridge — Courtesy: Russo Development
By Joshua Burd
Russo Development has unveiled the second piece of a new luxury rental project in Woodbridge, delivering another 124 units to the former Hess Corp. property just off Route 9.
The firm and its partner, Onyx Equities, say the newest phase of what’s called Vermella Woodbridge has apartments that offer a more private and intimate experience with larger rooms and closets. That’s helped spark leasing activity after a recent soft opening at the property, which sits just north of the New Jersey Turnpike and south of Main Street.
The firms have now delivered a combined 500 units at the site, following the early 2022 debut of the first phase across the street.
“We are committed to providing those who want to live in Woodbridge with a wide range of residential design options to ensure that anyone looking to rent can find something that enhances their lifestyle,” said Adam Pasternack, president of Russo Development. “These apartment homes will appeal to renters who want access to the gym, community garden and gathering spaces, can enjoy them and then go back to a quieter setting with more personal space.”
Amenities at Vermella Woodbridge, which was designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, include a two-story clubhouse with a fireplace and lounge seating, a high-end fitness center with a juice bar, multiple conference rooms and coworking areas, among others. The property also has more than 25,000 square feet of open outdoor space such as a community garden, a playground and a resort-style pool and sundeck, as well as 20,000 square feet of retail space that the developer says is attracting attention from local and national retailers and restaurants.
The latest addition is Angelina’s Kitchen, which offers authentic Italian cuisine and cocktail service.
“Each municipality has its own vibe. We cannot respond with ‘cookie cutter’ housing options,” said John Saraceno, a cofounder and managing partner of Onyx Equities. “These apartments are akin to the units in Phase I in that they have high-end finishes and appliances and large windows but they’re still unique because they’re larger and, although they’re on the same campus, they provide a quieter setting.”
Vermella Woodbridge is one of two projects in the township by Russo and Onyx. The firms, along with Dinallo Development, are partnering in the newly announced mixed-used project at the Metropark train station that will include 235 apartments and 244,524 square feet of corporate and medical office space for Hackensack Meridian Health.
Onyx and Russo have also teamed on the redevelopment of a former Novartis site in East Hanover.
