Russo Development, in partnership with NJ Transit and Terminal Construction, hosted a community celebration at the new LIA by Vermella building in Orange to highlight the success of transit-oriented living along the NJ Transit network. From left to right: Owen Christensen of NJ Transit; Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren; Yaire Hernandez, Essex & Crane resident and ‘My NJ Transit Story’ contest runner-up; Dmitrii Dobrin, Essex & Crane resident and ‘My NJ Transit Story’ contest winner; Yolanda Vasquez of Russo Property Management; Vienedre Roberts of Russo Property Management; Adam Pasternack of Russo Property Management; Annora Morino of Russo Property Management and Christopher Camas, Essex & Crane resident. — Courtesy: Russo
By Joshua Burd
Russo Development has unveiled a second apartment building in Orange, delivering another 216 units along NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex Line and adjacent to a project completed in 2023.
The firm and its partner, Terminal Construction, joined the transit agency last week to highlight the success of developments near the city’s train stations and the benefits it provides to longtime residents, students and other commuters who live in the buildings. That fuels the demand that has helped Russo lease up Essex & Crane, the two-year-old, 209-unit rental property at 377 Crane St., and set the stage for the new LIA by Vermella project at 51 Lincoln Ave.
“When we partnered with NJ Transit to redevelop the Essex & Crane site, our goal was to create housing that celebrates transit as an everyday advantage,” said Ed Russo, CEO of Russo Development. “Three years later, Essex & Crane’s complete lease-up and LIA’s immediate momentum show how the right infrastructure creates community — it connects opportunity, reduces stress and drives urban renewal.”
Designed by Rotwein+Blake, LIA by Vermella is just north of the Orange station and opposite Russo’s earlier development. Amenities include a clubroom with game tables, a bar and lounge seating, as well as a fitness center, a two-story coworking space with private conference rooms and a resort-style pool with a sundeck.
Last week’s event also marked the opening of LIA’s leasing office, according to a news release. As part of the program, residents who participated in the “My NJ Transit Story” promotion shared their experiences commuting from Orange using NJ Transit. Russo Development awarded one winner a free monthly NJ Transit pass and surprised all other participants with $100 NJ Transit gift cards in appreciation for their contributions.
Russo unveils 209-unit rental project at Orange train station
