Genesis Cos. completes rehab of Vista Village in East Orange

Genesis Cos. said May 26 it completed its rehabilitation of Vista Village at 70 S. Burnet St. in East Orange.

70 S. Burnet St., East Orange. – GENESIS COS.

The 180-unit, 100% affordable residential building is dedicated to seniors and adults with disabilities. Through a partnership with East Orange Housing Authority (EOHA) long-term affordability to those who are truly in need was also guaranteed.

The East Orange Housing Authority also partnered on the renovations, including system updates, full unit kitchen and bathroom renovations, new windows and floors.

Supportive services are available to residents through the Housing Authority’s existing programs, including activities, services to address food insecurity, and resource referrals and COVID-19 testing and vaccination services made possible through a partnership between EOHA and the City of East Orange. Several units were also converted to meet the needs of residents with disabilities.

The nine-story former public housing development was approved for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, under which all residential units in the project will be subsidized through the Project-Based Section 8 program.

“Housing affordability is absolutely critical, and Gov. Murphy and I are committed to ensuring that seniors and those living with disabilities have a safe and decent place to live in New Jersey,” said Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who serves as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and as New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency board chair. “This renovation project was a tremendous public and private undertaking that will provide people better access to high quality and accessible living accommodations. The entire East Orange community will greatly benefit from this major investment.”

“We applaud Genesis Cos. and the East Orange Housing Authority for its commitment to building quality, affordable housing and hope the success of this strategic redevelopment sets an example for future investments,” said Mayor Ted Green.

ETC Cos. partnered with Genesis as the project’s general contractor. DMR Architects served as the architect of record for the project.