Prominent Park Ridge, NJ residents join municipal officials and development principals at a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebrating the successful opening of The James, a new luxury rental community named after the late James Gandolfini. From left: Mike DiBella, a partner in The James; Barbara DiBella; Michael Gandolfini, James Gandolfini’s son; Keith Misciagna, Mayor of Park Ridge; and Richard Sciaretta, managing partner of Claremont Development. 
New Luxury Rental Community Honors James Gandolfini’s Legacy While Ushering in A New Era for Park Ridge
PARK RIDGE, NJ, August 3, 2021 – A crowd of proud Park Ridge, NJ residents and stakeholders filled the luxury lobby lounge at The James recently, marveling at the new upscale rental community that stands as a beacon of the borough’s evolution while honoring its most famous hometown hero.
A feeling of excitement permeated the room as attendees witnessed the 10-year plan to redevelop a large tract of underutilized property in the charming Bergen County township finally come to fruition. Guests included nearly two dozen members of the Gandolfini family and friends. They were honored to give their blessing to naming the building after the late James Gandolfini.
Michael Gandolfini, James’ son and a rising star in his own right, joined Mayor Keith Misciagna, other municipal officials, and principals from Claremont Development in cutting a ceremonial ribbon marking the heralded addition to the borough’s housing landscape, a collection of 240 studio, one- and two-bedroom residences – an impressive 50% of which is already leased, with a number of residents moved in.
Officials lauded The James’ development team for transforming the dilapidated property on Madison Avenue into a vibrant new community that will benefit generations to come.
“This is a great celebration today,” said Mayor Misciagna. “So many people were involved in making this project happen. From Mike DiBella who started talking to me about his vision for redeveloping this area 10 years ago to Don Schwamb and the Planning Board to the Building Department, City Council and of course the Sciaretta family and Claremont Development, thank you all for your expertise. This beautiful residential building is the fruit of all your labors.
“To make this day even more special is to have the Gandolfini family here,” Mayor Misciagna continued. “Jim is the patron saint of Park Ridge, and Michael, you’re everyone’s nephew in town. Jim is such a point of pride for our community and we’re always looking for ways to honor his legacy.”
Located at 87 Madison Avenue surrounded by parks, shops, and restaurants, The James was designed to take full advantage of its lively downtown location, with the needs of today’s sophisticated suburban renter in mind. The five-story building includes a full complement of indoor and outdoor amenities that have been curated to maximize resident recreation, relaxation, and work-from-home productivity. It also delivers 17,600 square feet of street-level retail space to the heart of downtown Park Ridge including a public plaza that serves as a natural gathering place.
“The James reflects our commitment to the borough of Park Ridge and our core philosophy of enhancing the host communities in which we develop,” said Richard Sciaretta, managing partner of Claremont Development. “We shared a collective vision with Mayor Misciagna and local officials on how to unlock the intrinsic value of this property by creating a new modern lifestyle option that is appealing to both existing and new residents. We believe The James realizes that vision, and we’re delighted with how quickly it has connected with residents.”
The James offers residents a collection of studio, one- and two-bedroom residences at monthly rental rates starting from $1,965, with limited-time grand opening incentives of up to half a month free on a 12-month lease or up to one month free on a 24-month lease, according to Bozzuto, the renowned property management company that Claremont Development selected to manage the community. Immediate occupancy is available.
The generously sized homes offer open floor plans, 9’ ceilings, luxury plank flooring, and modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, a gas range, quartz countertops, espresso cabinetry and a full-height tiled backsplash. Baths boast hotel-style details such as gray tiled floors, quartz countertops and full-height tiled wet walls. All homes also include complimentary window treatments and in-unit washer & dryer. Private outdoor balconies and terraces and spacious den layouts are available in select residences.
Claremont Development integrated a wide array of amenities and services into the overall lifestyle it offers at The James, ensuring that residents have plenty of room to spread out and take advantage of their surroundings. Interior amenities include multiple entertainment lounges, a tasting room with catering kitchen, a co-working lounge with private offices and a coffee bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a yoga studio. Outside, the ultimate summer retreat awaits at the community’s resort-style plunge pool, complemented by BBQ and dining areas, firepits, outdoor television & lounge areas, and a turf lawn. The James also includes a pet spa, Butterfly video intercom system, covered on-site parking, 24/7 on-site maintenance, and bicycle and resident storage.
The James marries the best qualities of urban and suburban living in a location that is celebrated for its beautiful streetscapes, lush greenery, and tranquil ambience, as well as its dynamic town center. Manhattan is easily accessible via NJ TRANSIT rail service on the Pascack Valley line. Coach USA also offers daily commuter bus service to and from the Port Authority. For drivers, entrances to the Garden State Parkway and Palisades Parkway are nearby and the George Washington Bridge is a little less than 20 miles away.
Downtown Park Ridge meanders through the thoroughfares of Kinderkamack Road and Park Avenue as well as quieter, pedestrian-focused lanes such as Hawthorne Avenue. Small town charm emanates from its community diner, local juice bar, cake bakery, fitness studios and cycle shop that doubles as an espresso bar. Its restaurant scene is varied and robust, with cuisines ranging from steakhouse classics to Italian specialties, authentic Greek food, and Irish pub fare. It is also home to national brands such as Starbucks. Numerous parks, lakefront walking paths, farm stands, golf courses, dog parks, hiking trails and other outdoor pursuits are just a short drive away in Park Ridge and neighboring towns.
For more information, visit www.TheJamesParkRidge.com.
About Claremont Development
On the leading edge of New Jersey’s real estate market, Claremont Development specializes in the ground-up conception, construction, and delivery of the metro area’s most exciting residential and mixed-use properties. By leveraging their multi-generational in-house expertise with strategic partnerships, the team is able to identify and transform under-utilized transit-oriented sites into thriving community centers where people live, work, and play. The James is the latest addition to Claremont’s impressive portfolio of luxury developments, demonstrating their talent across diverse markets and their unique eye for cutting-edge trends. They continue to lead the industry in their successful redevelopment approach through visionary communities that leave a lasting positive social impact, for townships and residents alike. For more information, visit www.claredev.com.
About Bozzuto
Bozzuto is an experience-focused real estate company distinguished by their innovative developments, dedicated customer service, and top-rated workplace culture. With award-winning expertise in homebuilding, multifamily development, construction, and management, Bozzuto is devoted to delivering extraordinary experiences for those they serve.
Since their founding in 1988, Bozzuto has developed, acquired, and built more than 50,000 homes and apartments. Celebrating 33 years of creating sanctuary for their residents, Bozzuto currently manages 85,000 apartments and 3 million square feet of retail space along the East Coast, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York City, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia and Boston. The company recently announced its expansion to the West Coast. www.bozzuto.com
Bergen FYI 