A former corporate headquarters in Bergen County is getting a new purpose as developers begin construction on a 370-unit mixed-use residential community in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. The project, known as Orchard House by Vermella, will transform part of BMW's former North American headquarters campus into a neighborhood featuring apartments, townhomes, affordable housing, retail space, and public outdoor amenities.
Russo Development and Woodmont Properties officially broke ground on the development in October, marking a major milestone for the 21-acre property at 300 Chestnut Ridge Road. The site previously served as BMW's North American headquarters before the automaker sold the former office property in 2024. The redevelopment reflects a broader trend across New Jersey, where former corporate campuses and underused commercial properties are being repurposed to address housing demand.
A Mix of Apartments, Townhomes and Supportive Housing
Orchard House will include 297 apartments, 47 townhomes, and 26 supportive housing units, creating a mix of residential options within one development. Of the 370 total residences, 74 will be designated as affordable housing for eligible households, helping Woodcliff Lake meet its affordable housing obligations.
The inclusion of supportive housing is another important component. These residences are intended to serve eligible residents who need additional housing support, allowing the development to provide more than conventional market-rate rentals. The overall mix gives the project a broader role in expanding housing choices in Bergen County.
Retail, Parks and Outdoor Amenities Planned
The project will also include more than 9,000 square feet of retail space, with potential tenants ranging from restaurants and medical businesses to service-oriented retailers. The goal is to bring convenient services closer to residents while creating additional commercial activity in the surrounding area.
A significant portion of the property will remain undeveloped. Approximately half of the 21-acre site is planned as open space, including a new public park and a walking trail around the community's perimeter. The development will also feature rooftop pools, fitness facilities, resident lounges, and terrace gardens. Additional infrastructure plans include bicycle parking and electric-vehicle charging stations.
Repurposing a Former Corporate Campus
The redevelopment highlights how New Jersey communities are reconsidering the future of large office properties. Corporate campuses can occupy substantial amounts of land, and when their original use changes, they can offer opportunities to create housing and neighborhood amenities without developing entirely new sites.
In Woodcliff Lake, the former BMW property offers access to major regional roads, including the Garden State Parkway and Route 17, as well as NJ Transit's Pascack Valley Line. That location gives the project connections to employment centers and shopping destinations throughout northern New Jersey and the wider New York metropolitan area.
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