Russo Development and Woodmont Properties have officially broken ground on Orchard House by Vermella, a sprawling 21-acre mixed-use community coming to 300 Chestnut Ridge Road.
Named in honor of the property’s original life as an apple orchard, the ambitious project will bring Russo Development’s signature luxury residential brand to northern Bergen County. Upon completion, Orchard House will feature 370 residences—comprising 297 apartments, 47 townhomes, and 26 supportive housing units, with a total of 74 designated as affordable housing—alongside more than 9,000 square feet of curated retail space.
“Woodcliff Lake has always been a community that values thoughtful growth and careful planning,” Mayor Carlos Rendo said. “Orchard House reflects the kind of progress we want to see — development that respects the character of our Borough while positioning us well for the future.”
Designed to blend high-end suburban living with community accessibility, roughly half of the 21-acre site will remain open green space. Plans feature a brand-new public park and a walking trail encircling the perimeter of the community, continuing Russo Development’s track record of integrating public-facing amenities into its regional projects.
Residential amenities will include rooftop pools, modern fitness centers, resident lounges, terrace gardens, and access to the Vermella Social Club—a signature lifestyle program hosting year-round social, culinary, and wellness events. The retail component is anticipated to draw a mix of dining, service, and medical businesses tailored to both residents and the broader neighborhood.
“Together with Russo Development, we’re creating a thoughtfully designed community with the quality, amenities and access today’s residents are looking for,” said Eric Witmondt, CEO of Woodmont Properties.
Situated along Chestnut Ridge Road, the property offers convenient access to major regional thoroughfares including the Garden State Parkway, Route 17, I-287, and the New York State Thruway, as well as local rail transit via NJ TRANSIT’s Pascack Valley Line.
The project is being brought to life by RW Woodcliff Lake Urban Renewal LLC, a joint venture between Russo Development and Woodmont Properties.
