Garden Communities announced Monday that demolition has begun at 800 Sylvan Ave., the future home of the first new multifamily development in more than four decades in the affluent Bergen County municipality.
The 20-acre parcel, which sits atop the Hudson River Palisades, housed office and research & development operations for consumer products giant Unilever for decades. It was purchased by Garden Communities in 2021.
Garden Communities’ Principal Brett Tanzman said the site offers a prime location for reuse as multifamily — especially in a community with limited inventory. He said the firm’s development plan responds to the region’s sustained need for additional housing options and will offer a modern live/play product.
About Garden Communities
Garden Communities represents one of the region’s most active developers in the high-end niche. The company’s Bergen County portfolio also includes the Jefferson, a newly opened, 377-apartment live/play flagship community in uptown Hackensack.
Additionally, the Short Hills-based firm over the past eight years has introduced the Dayton in Ridgewood, Fair Lawn Promenade in Fair Lawn and Washington Promenade in Dumont. All have experienced rapid lease-up and maintain high occupancy, company officials said.
“Bergen County is New Jersey’s most heavily populated county — a region known for its high quality of life, well-educated labor pool and robust health care systems,” he said. “Within that context, 800 Sylvan Ave. sits directly across from New York City — less than five miles from the George Washington Bridge.
“It is truly a special property and one we look forward to bringing to its best and highest use.”
Tanzman said the community will feature a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments within a contemporary, midrise product.
In addition, the three-bedroom townhomes will carry a distinct community identity, Tanzman said. Across the board, residences will be thoughtfully designed and appointed, with high-end finishes and fixtures. The lifestyle will be punctuated by indoor/outdoor recreational areas and amenities, he said.
