The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Northern New Jersey announced its roster of 2026 Excellence Awards honorees, celebrating the visionaries and developments driving New Jersey’s commercial real estate forward. The awards recognize a diverse array of projects, ranging from net-zero residential hubs to massive industrial transformations.
The winners will be honored at a gala on April 16, at the Westmount Country Club. In a new twist for this year’s ceremony, ULI will keep the prestigious “Project of the Year” winner under wraps until a live announcement during the event.
The 2026 awards highlight several individuals who have made a lasting impact on the state’s-built environment. Thomas Didio, Sr. of JLL will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of influence in capital markets, while East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen is set to receive the Government Service Award for his role in local development.
Other Individual Winners:
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Women’s Leadership Award: Courtney Mulligan (Russo Development)
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Rising Star: Alexa McNeil
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Impact Awards (UrbanPlan): Dan Grant (ENV) and Michael Mastruzzo (Sax Advisory Group)
The project awards showcase the “best-in-class” developments that address New Jersey’s evolving needs for sustainability, health care, and housing.
| Category | Award-Winning Project |
| Industrial | Crow Holdings at Carteret |
| Healthcare / Medical | Valley Hospital, Paramus |
| Affordable Housing | Southside View |
| Resiliency / Net Zero | The Pearl at Station Bay |
| Mixed-Use | Monmouth Square |
| Retail | Glenwood Green |
The highlight of the evening will be the selection of the New Jersey Project of the Year. The three semi-finalists representing the pinnacle of development in the region are:
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Bisby
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Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center
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The Park
“Each of this year’s honorees reflects the leadership, creativity, and collaboration that continue to elevate New Jersey’s real estate industry,” said Mara Winokur, Executive Director of ULI Northern New Jersey. “These projects demonstrate how thoughtful development can strengthen communities and deliver lasting impact.”
