Russo Development marked the opening of its new transit-oriented LIA apartments in Orange, and success of its sister spot Essex & Crane, with a unique community event.

Together with NJ Transit and Terminal Construction, the celebration brought together residents who discussed the benefits of living near the Orange Station. Following lease-up of the 405-unit Essex & Crane, phase two LIA offers sophisticated design, modern amenities and seamless connection in Essex County just steps away from the depot.

Situated directly along the Morris & Essex rail line, both properties are part of Russo’s Vermella banner.

“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.”

Transit testimonials

During the Nov. 25 celebration, one Essex & Crane resident who shared a “My NJ Transit Story” received a free monthly NJ Transit pass from Russo Development. As part of the promotion, all participants also received $100 NJ Transit gift cards. Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren joined to celebrate.

Resident Dmitrii Dobrin said that “living steps from the Orange station has completely changed how I manage my day. … I’m saving time, reducing stress and truly enjoying city access without city living.”

Participants such as Natalie Malatino, a Seton Hall student interning in New York City, echoed that sentiment. Malatino said the access makes it possible to balance work, school and life — “without worrying about traffic or parking.”

Russo Development developed the Orange projects with construction partner Wood-Ridge-based Terminal Construction.

LIA by Vermella at 51 Lincoln Ave. offers 216 one- and two-bedroom apartments along with amenities such as a resort-style swimming pool, coworking and lounge areas, outdoor spaces, fitness center and dog park. Meanwhile, Essex & Crane at 377 Crane St. features amenity spaces including a resident clubroom and fitness center, as well as onsite management and maintenance teams.

Elsewhere in the state, Russo Development is involved with another marquee transit-oriented developments. As part of a consortium led by DOR, Russo, Onyx Equities LLC and Dinallo Development LLC/Terminal Construction will bring a residential building with 230 apartments and retail space to Metropark. That project also includes a more than 60,000-square-foot health facility as part of the Hackensack Meridian Health and Wellness Center coming to Woodbridge.