Category Archives: Blog

Parkside at Westfield has officially launched leasing

August 1, 2025BlogStacey

ROI New Jersey | March 20, 2025

Parkside at Westfield, a new 162-unit luxury rental community located at 524 Springfield Avenue in Westfield, New Jersey, has officially launched leasing, according to ROI-NJ. Developed through a joint venture between Premier Development and Garden Communities, the three-story complex features upscale one to three-bedroom residences with elevator access and modern design. The property replaces a former garden center and offers a full range of resort-style amenities aimed at delivering a high-end living experience. (March 20th 2025)

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Vango Development Secures Approvals for New Luxury Rental in Downtown Rutherford

August 1, 2025BlogStacey

The Paramus Post | September 22 2021

Feature – Vango Development (2009) The article details Vango Development’s approval to build a second mixed-use building at 118 Park Avenue in Rutherford, New Jersey, expanding their successful “The Parker” rental project. Merchandised by The Childs Dreyfus Group, the highlights all the amenities the building will feature. Located in downtown Rutherford with easy access to transit and retail, the project aims to foster community living and seamless connections to New York City. (2021)

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Wood Partners officially broke ground on Alta French Hill

July 31, 2025BlogStacey

Wood Partners | July 31, 2025

Alta French Hill – Marlborough, MA

Wood Partners officially broke ground on Alta French Hill in Marlborough, MA which is a luxury 276-unit apartment development with one to three bedroom layouts and upscale finishes. The community will include amenities such as a fitness center, lounges, courtyards with a pool and dog park, plus nearly 10,000 sq ft of retail; pre leasing is set to begin in 2024 with move-ins starting February 2025. The project emphasizes walkable access to downtown Marlborough and nearby employers along with 28 affordable units and sustainable design features. (Nov. 14, 2023)

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urdesignmag Highlights The Childs Dreyfus Group

July 13, 2025BlogStacey

Architecture | July 13, 2019

The Childs Dreyfus Group Brings Unique Style & Function to Chicago Developments

The Childs Dreyfus Group (CDG)is an integrated architecture/interior design company located in Chicago with the capability to create exciting, modern spaces for single family, multifamily, student housing, and commercial properties. Guiding the future in architecture and innovative interior design features, CDG is able to work with any client to provide the best possible environment for their residents and neighborhood by creating human-centered interiors driven by research.

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As Seen In Forbes, Fortune & Entrepreneur: Interior Architecture —where vision shapes spaces

June 30, 2025BlogForbes, Fortune & Entrepreneur, Future of DevelopmentStacey

As Seen In Forbes, Fortune & Entrepreneur

THE FUTURE OF DEVELOPMENT THROUGH DESIGN

Interior Architecture—where vision shapes spaces

To label The Childs Dreyfus Group (CDG) as simply an architectural or interior design firm understates its expertise. With deep roots in model home merchandising and experiential staging, CDG has helped shape the evolution of interior architecture and merchandising for over 60 years. As pioneers of the discipline, CDG’s founders established the original merchandising criteria adopted by the Institute of Residential Marketing, a foundation that still guides top-tier developers, builders, and real estate professionals today.

Since Rene Pabon became president and CEO in 1993, CDG has evolved from a niche model merchandising firm into a full-service interior architecture partner serving mixed-use, multifamily, student, and workforce housing developments across 18 U.S. markets. The group’s work goes beyond design—it shapes environments that connect emotionally with people and perform functionally from day one.

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The Raye by Vermella in New Brunswick

June 25, 2025BlogStacey

Real Estate NJ | June 25, 2025

The article from Real Estate NJ discusses how the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) UrbanPlan program culminated in site tours for high school students from East Brunswick and East Orange. Russo Development hosted 50 students from East Brunswick High School on June 5, 2025, providing behind-the-scenes tours of The Raye by Vermella in New Brunswick and the Vermella East Brunswick project. In East Orange, Hero Development led 25 students through The Modern, a new 119-unit multifamily property at 45 South Grove St. These tours allowed students to connect classroom concepts with real-world development projects, enhancing their understanding of urban planning and real estate development. (June 25th, 2025)

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The Raye – New Brunswick, NJ City of New Brunswick

June 16, 2025BlogStacey

City of New Brunswick, NJ | June 16, 2025

On June 5, 2025, Mayor Jim Cahill engaged with high school students and key stakeholders, including Russo Development and Raye by Vermella, to discuss the ongoing redevelopment of the former Sears site on Route 1. The session highlighted the importance of collaboration among developers, city officials, and

the community in successful urban projects. The redevelopment aims to transform the area into a vibrant, mixed-use community, emphasizing the role of teamwork in achieving such goals. (June 16th, 2025)

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Designing for the Future: Wellness and Sustainability in Urban Multifamily Living

May 21, 2025Blogmulti-family living, urban livingStacey

At The Childs Dreyfus Group (CDG), we’ve been at the forefront of interior architecture for over 60 years, crafting spaces that not only reflect aesthetic excellence but also promote holistic well-being and environmental responsibility. As urban centers like Chicago, New York, and New Jersey continue to evolve, and emerging markets such as Atlanta, Dallas, and the Carolinas experience rapid growth, the demand for wellness-centric and sustainable multifamily living has never been more pronounced.

The Rise of Wellness-Oriented Living

The global wellness economy is projected to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027, underscoring a significant shift in consumer priorities towards health and well-being. This trend is reshaping the multifamily housing sector, with residents seeking environments that support physical health, mental clarity, and social connectivity. Transforming Cities

In response, CDG integrates wellness-focused amenities into our designs, such as:

• Full-Service Fitness Centers: Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, yoga studios, and spaces for personal training.
• Quiet Spaces: Designated areas for meditation and relaxation, providing residents with peaceful retreats.
• Makerspaces: Creative hubs that encourage artistic expression and community engagement.

These features not only enhance the living experience but also foster a sense of community and belonging among residents. Times+8Multi-Housing News+8gb&d magazine+8

Embracing Biophilic Design

Biophilic design, which seeks to connect occupants with nature, is gaining traction in multifamily housing developments. Incorporating elements such as indoor plants, natural light, and green spaces, biophilic design fosters a sense of well-being and tranquility in urban environments.

At CDG, we prioritize biophilic elements by:Architectural Digest+9childsdreyfus.com+9Wikipedia+9

• Integrating Natural Materials: Utilizing wood, stone, and other organic materials to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Maximizing Natural Light: Designing spaces that allow ample sunlight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
• Creating Green Spaces: Incorporating rooftop gardens, courtyards, and indoor plant installations to bring nature closer to residents.

These design choices not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to residents’ mental and physical health.Times Union+4Multi-Housing News+4gb&d magazine+4

Sustainability: A Core Design Principle

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in multifamily design, with developers incorporating green building practices and environmentally friendly features into their projects. From energy-efficient appliances and solar panels to recycled materials and green roofs, multifamily buildings are striving to minimize their environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable way of living.

CDG’s commitment to sustainability is evident in our projects, such as the 4600 N. Marine Drive development in Chicago, which features: childsdreyfus.com

• Green Roofs: Reducing urban heat island effects and managing stormwater.
• EV Charging Stations: Supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
• Digital Transit Displays: Encouraging the use of public transportation.

environmentally responsible and economically beneficial for residents

By integrating these sustainable features, we aim to create living spaces that are both environmentally responsible and economically beneficial for residents.

Adapting to Evolving Urban Landscapes

As cities like Atlanta, Dallas, and the Carolinas experience population growth, there’s an increasing need for multifamily housing that accommodates diverse lifestyles and preferences. CDG addresses this by designing flexible living spaces that can easily adapt to changing needs.

The Childs Dreyfus Group: Your Partner in Innovative Design

With a rich history rooted in Chicago and New Jersey, Atlanta, Dallas, and the Carolinas, The Childs Dreyfus Group is uniquely positioned to deliver interior design solutions that align with contemporary demands for wellness and sustainability.

Our expertise in interior architecture allows us to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also enhance the quality of life for residents. By staying attuned to emerging trends and prioritizing the needs of modern urban dwellers, we continue to set the standard for multifamily living.

Ready to Transform Your Next Project? Partner with The Childs Dreyfus Group to bring your vision of wellness-oriented and sustainable multifamily living to life. Contact us today to learn how our innovative design solutions can elevate your development and meet the evolving needs of urban residents.

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5 Design Strategies That Maximize ROI for Aging-Forward Urban Communities

May 19, 2025Blogmixed use lifestyle, urban communitiesStacey

5 Design Strategies That Maximize ROI for Aging-Forward Urban Communities

1. Elegant, Accessible Design That Appeals Across Generations

Accessibility doesn’t have to mean clinical or institutional. Our designs at CDG incorporate universal design principles that meet ADA compliance subtly and beautifully, enhancing value for all residents, not just seniors.

Developer Value:

• Broadens target audience (multi-generational appeal)
• Prepares property for aging-in-place, reducing churn
• Lowers future renovation costs by “designing ahead” of regulatory standards

Examples:

• Step-free access, extra-wide doorways, lever handles
• Walk-in showers with integrated bench seating
• Smart lighting and anti-glare finishes for aging eyes

2. Health, Wellness & Biophilic Integration

Wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s a baseline. Aging residents prioritize environments that support mental and physical vitality. CDG designs wellness-oriented spaces that serve as long-term retention tools and elevate property prestige.

Developer ROI:

• Justifies higher rents with health-enhancing features
• Promotes brand differentiation in competitive markets
• Attracts wellness-focused residents who place long-term value over short-term rent discounts

High-impact features:

• Light-filled fitness centers with low-impact equipment
• Dedicated meditation rooms, massage areas, or salt therapy lounges
• Biophilic elements: living walls, indoor planters, natural textures

3. Mixed-Use, Walkable Integration for Lifestyle Convenience

Older renters increasingly choose city-based, mixed-use developments because of access, not just amenities. Being able to walk to a pharmacy, café, or doctor’s office is a significant driver of retention.

Developer ROI:

• Leverages ground-floor retail or services to increase NOI
• Encourages longer leases by offering “urban aging-in-place”
• Reduces transportation dependence and parking demand

CDG ensures residential interiors flow seamlessly with mixed-use spaces—designing lobbies, corridors, and common areas that feel like extensions of the urban fabric, not barriers to it.

4. Timeless Interiors That Improve with Age

Design that ages well is more than aesthetic—it’s about sustainability and reducing future renovation costs. CDG specializes in materials and layouts that are both ageless and elegant, reducing maintenance while appealing to discerning renters.

Developer ROI:

• Lower lifecycle maintenance and replacement costs
• Increased long-term property value through timeless design
• Faster lease-up for units with strong visual continuity and enduring appeal

Design Elements:

• Neutral palettes with contrast for visibility
• Soft acoustics for noise control
• Natural wood, matte brass, boucle, and other sensory-rich materials

5. Smart Technology That Supports Independence and Safety

Aging residents are more tech-savvy than ever. CDG integrates discreet, senior-friendly smart features that support autonomy while enhancing security and convenience.

Developer ROI:

Adds perceived and actual value to units (smart = premium)
Reduces staffing needs with automated systems
Differentiates from dated or less-enabled competing properties

Examples:

• Voice-activated lighting, temperature, and security
• Smart elevators, keyless entry, and facial recognition intercoms
• Resident apps with service integration (medical alerts, meal delivery, concierge)

Mixed-Use in Action: The Urban Village Model

Across markets like Chicago’s Near North Side, Jersey City’s waterfront, and fast-growing hubs like Charlotte and Atlanta, CDG is seeing success in a “city within a building” model, where luxury multifamily sits above health clinics, co-working lounges, cafes, and wellness centers.

By aligning interior architecture with the mixed-use vision, developers can:

• Capture both rent and retail revenue
• Offer built-in convenience for aging renters
• Create a one-stop lifestyle environment that justifies premium pricing

Final Word: Aging Is the Future — and It Pays

For developers, the opportunity is clear: by embracing aging-forward design, you’re not only doing right by your residents, you’re also future-proofing your investment. At The Childs Dreyfus Group, our team of interior architects and design strategists partner with multifamily developers nationwide to craft award-winning environments that drive long-term ROI.

We understand what your aging residents want—and how to deliver it without compromising on elegance, efficiency, or profitability.

Let’s Design the Future of Urban Aging—Together

Whether you’re planning a new luxury high-rise in New York, repositioning an asset in Chicago, or entering a growth market like Dallas or Charlotte, CDG is your partner in delivering design-driven results that last decades.

📞 Connect with The Childs Dreyfus Group today to learn how we help developers like you create environments that not only lease fast but retain longer.

JCM Living has officially broken ground on Rosera Wesmont

May 17, 2025BlogStacey

Multi Housing News | May 17, 2025

JCM Living has officially broken ground on Rosera Wesmont, a 295-unit luxury multifamily community in Wood-Ridge, Bergen County, New Jersey. Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and under construction by Ingerman Construction, the development includes studios to three-bedroom layouts, approximately 30,000 sq ft of amenity space (including a large swimming pool, fitness, and coworking centers), and around 2,800 sq ft of ground-floor retail. This project marks the final phase of the 150-acre Wesmont Station redevelopment and is scheduled for completion in early 2024.

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