Advance, DeBartolo are rolling along with Harrison apartments

The groundbreaking for the next phase of the Riverbend District project. – Advance Realty/DeBartolo Development

Wednesday was a blue-ribbon day for the partnership of Advance Realty and DeBartolo Development, as it cut the ribbon on one phase of its Harrison development and broke ground for the next one.

The project, called the Riverbend District, is adjacent to the Harrison PATH station and Red Bull Arena soccer and entertainment venue. The newly opened Steel Works portion includes 286 studio, one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments, while the next phase, Block F, will offer an additional 286 units in a residential rental building.

“Steel Works represents a totally unique product in what has become one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing transit-oriented markets,” Peter Cocoziello, founder, CEO and president of Advance Realty, said in a prepared statement. “We’re proud to take part in this transformation by introducing first-class luxury housing, high-end amenities and exciting retail concepts into the Riverbend District.”

The final development will include about 3,000 luxury apartments, plus 100,000 square feet of premium retail space.

“The success of Steel Works serves as a testament to the demand for lifestyle-oriented housing in urban environments, and we look forward to drawing more renters to Harrison as our vision for the rest of Riverbend continues to come to fruition,” Edward M. Kobel, president and chief operating officer of DeBartolo Development, said in a statement.

Officials from both venture partners were joined by officials from Harrison for the dual ceremonies.

“Both the construction of this new building and opening of Steel Works represent critical milestones in the town of Harrison’s ongoing revitalization,” Mayor James A. Fife said in a statement. “We are thrilled to add these state-of-the-art apartments and amenities to our already-vibrant community, and look forward to the new energy and resources the rapidly developing Riverbend District will bring.”