A 21-acre property that once housed one of the biggest names in the auto industry will soon become a mixed-use community with open space, retail, and affordable housing.
Russo Development and Woodmont Properties held a groundbreaking ceremony for their latest endeavor dubbed Orchard House by Vermella. The 21-acre mixed-use development will rise on the site of what was BMW’s North American headquarters in the Bergen County borough of Woodcliff Lake.
At 300 Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard House will feature 370 residences and more than 9,000 square feet of retail space. About half of the property will remain open space, with plans for a new public park and a walking trail around the community’s perimeter.
“Woodcliff Lake has always been a community that values thoughtful growth and careful planning,” said Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos A. Rendo. “Orchard House reflects the kind of progress we want to see — development that respects the character of our Borough while positioning us well for the future.”
Named for the property’s original use as an apple orchard, Orchard House’s retail is expected to include a mix of dining, service, medical, and other businesses. The approach follows other Vermella mixed-use communities, which have proliferated throughout New Jersey in recent years.
“Russo Development has always believed that successful redevelopment begins with understanding a municipality’s vision and finding ways for a project to contribute to it,” said Ed Russo, CEO of Russo Development. “We’re proud to partner with Woodmont Properties to bring Orchard House and the Vermella brand to Woodcliff Lake and create a community that will become part of the fabric of the Borough for generations.”
The 370 residences at Orchard House will include 297 apartments, 47 townhomes, and 26 supportive housing units. A total of 74 residences will be designated as affordable units, contributing toward Woodcliff Lake’s affordable housing requirements.
Planned amenities include rooftop pools, fitness facilities, resident lounges, and terrace gardens. Residents will also have access to the Vermella Social Club, Russo Property Management’s lifestyle program that offers a year-round calendar of events.
The development will also include new infrastructure, bicycle parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. RW Woodcliff Lake Urban Renewal LLC, a joint venture between Russo Development and Woodmont Properties, is developing the project.
