A rendering of Vermella at Garwood Station a planned mixed-use development in Garwood by Russo Development — Courtesy: Russo Development
By Joshua Burd
Russo Development has nearly completed demolition of a large industrial complex in Garwood, allowing it to begin construction at a new mixed-use project with nearly 370 apartments.
The developer on Tuesday announced the progress at the site at South Avenue and Center Street in the borough’s downtown. The work will give way to a two-phase project known as Vermella at Garwood Station, which will also include 19,000 square feet of retail space and a 450-space parking deck.
The community will be steps from a train station along NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line.
“Vermella at Garwood Station reflects Russo Development’s goal of building projects in great towns with convenient access to mass transit,” said Edward Russo, CEO of Russo Development. “We are always attracted to redevelopment opportunities in strong communities like Garwood that represent a value to newcomers and whose legacy residents — whether young households just starting out or empty-nesters down-sizing — love their town and are looking for modern, upscale housing at a reasonable price.”
In a news release, the Carlstadt-based developer and local officials touted the project’s potential to revitalize Garwood’s downtown and diversify residential choices, while complementing the existing retail landscape. Vermella at Garwood Station will be built in two phases, starting with about 287 apartments, the structured parking and retail space.
The second phase will include the remaining apartments.
“These industrial uses were vacant eyesores in our community for many years and we knew redevelopment was sorely needed,” said Mayor Charles Lombardo, who is retiring after serving more than 25 years as a mayor and councilman. “However, we took our time and made sure we got the right project for our town working with Russo Development during the five years of planning and design for this site.”
Russo said the retail space will include an upscale restaurant and other uses, while the project also calls more than 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities for residents. Those features will include a fitness center, pool, work-from-home spaces, activity courtyards and event spaces.
“Vermella at Garwood Station will bring new residents and businesses to our downtown, while also creating a new energy that our community has now embraced,” said Mayor-elect Sara Todisco, who was instrumental in the review process for the project. “We are looking forward to a new streetscape that redefines our downtown.”
