Kontos Group Wins Approval for Linden Apartment Project

• Kontos Group secured unanimous planning board approval for an 80-unit apartment project in Linden, New Jersey.
• The development, called Veranta by Kontos, is planned for 1700 West Elizabeth Ave. on a former restaurant and used car dealership site.
• Developers hope to break ground this fall, with construction expected to take about two years.

What the Approved Project Includes

Kontos Group is moving closer to starting construction on a new multifamily development in Linden after receiving unanimous approval from the city’s planning board. The project, known as Veranta by Kontos, will bring 80 apartments to 1700 West Elizabeth Ave. The site currently includes a former restaurant property and an adjacent used car dealership that developers plan to redevelop into a five-story residential building. Plans call for a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments designed to appeal to commuters and renters looking for newer housing options in Union County.

What the Development Adds to Linden

The building will feature four studio apartments, 61 one-bedroom units, and 15 two-bedroom residences. Developers also designed the fifth floor with setbacks to create penthouse units and outdoor terraces with views toward New York City. The project sits within a designated redevelopment area and is expected to benefit from a 30-year payment in lieu of taxes agreement with the City of Linden. Its location is also a major selling point. The site is less than a mile from both the Linden and Rahway train stations, giving future residents direct commuter access to New York City and surrounding employment centers.

What This Means for the Local Multifamily Market

The development reflects continued demand for transit-oriented rental housing across Northern and Central New Jersey. Developers remain focused on suburban communities with strong rail access as renters continue seeking alternatives to higher-priced housing markets closer to Manhattan. Linden has increasingly attracted multifamily investment because of its transportation connectivity and redevelopment opportunities along older commercial corridors. The project also expands Kontos Group’s growing multifamily portfolio following previous residential development activity in Roselle Park.

What the Team Behind the Project Is Working On

The project team includes Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers, Harbor Consultants, and Kontos Construction, which will serve as the general contractor. CBRE’s Matthew Pizzolato has been tapped to source both construction and permanent financing for the project as developers prepare for a potential groundbreaking later this year.

What the Project Could Mean for Linden

If construction begins on schedule, Veranta by Kontos could add much-needed housing inventory while helping revitalize a stretch of West Elizabeth Avenue currently occupied by aging commercial properties. Projects like this continue to reshape suburban New Jersey corridors where underutilized retail and auto-related properties are increasingly being replaced with higher-density residential development near transit infrastructure.