Russo Development and Woodmont Properties officially broke ground on Orchard House by Vermella, a multi-faceted residential and retail project located on Chestnut Ridge Road in Woodcliff Lake.
The 21-acre property previously functioned as part of the historic Tice Farms apple orchard and later housed the North American headquarters for BMW. Under the joint redevelopment venture by RW Woodcliff Lake Urban Renewal LLC, the project will transform the vacant commercial site into a mixed-use neighborhood center.
Plans for Orchard House specify 370 total residential units, comprising 297 apartments, 47 townhomes, and 26 supportive housing units. A total of 74 units across the complex will be designated as affordable housing to help fulfill local municipal housing obligations.
In addition to residential space, the plans incorporate more than 9,000 square feet of street-level retail designed for dining, medical offices, and community service businesses. Municipal infrastructure additions for the site will feature electric vehicle charging stations, dedicated bicycle parking, and expanded traffic management access along Chestnut Ridge Road.
Roughly half of the overall 21-acre footprint will remain preserved as open space. Developer plans include a perimeter walking trail and a public park accessible to borough residents, while market-rate residential amenities will feature rooftop pools, fitness facilities, terrace gardens, and lifestyle programming through Russo Property Management.