Kushner Breaks Ground on New Market Rate and 55+ Rental Community Livana Livingston in Essex County New Jersey

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Livana Livingston
Located at 550 and 570 West Mt. Pleasant Avenue on the site of the former Westminster Hotel and the adjacent former Somerset Regal Bank property, Livana Livingston will bring a fresh vision for community living to Livingston.

Kushner broke ground June 26th on Livana Livingston, a distinctive new multifamily development rising on West Mt. Pleasant Avenue that will introduce two thoughtfully planned rental buildings, one designed for residents 55 and better and the other welcoming residents of all ages.

The ceremonial groundbreaking, attended by Kushner leadership, Livingston Township officials and other dignitaries, officially launched construction on the 280-unit project. With two buildings catering to different lifestyle experiences and 56 affordable units blended across both, Livana Livingston embodies a sophisticated and inclusive approach to modern suburban living.

Kushner previously owned and operated the Westminster Hotel before closing the property to pursue a higher and better use. In its place, the developer is introducing a residential destination that will enhance the surrounding area while addressing a wide range of lifestyle needs. The two-building development, designed by Lessard Architecture, will feature a mix of well-appointed one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom-plus-den residences,. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

“Livana Livingston represents an important addition to our expanding New Jersey portfolio and exemplifies the range of residential product Kushner is delivering to meet today’s evolving housing preferences,” said Laurent Morali, CEO of Kushner. “This groundbreaking also reflects the depth of our development pipeline and our commitment to investing in communities throughout the state.”

Livana Livingston builds on the momentum of Kushner’s Livana brand, a new multifamily concept launched in 2024 to meet the increasing demand for sophisticated rental options and aspirational lifestyle living. Rooted in the belief that every stage of life deserves a home that reflects one’s values, pace, and personal sense of belonging, the brand already includes Livana Fair Lawn and Livana East Hanover, both of which transformed former office sites into vibrant rental communities, with several other Livana developments are in the pipeline.

“Livana was envisioned with the goal of providing refined rental communities that speak to how people want to live today,” said Nicole Kushner Meyer, President of Kushner. “From young professionals and growing families to 55 and better residents seeking community and convenience, we’re focused on creating residences that combine exceptional design, well-curated amenities, and a strong sense of place. Livana Livingston will be a perfect example of that mission brought to life.”

Each building at Livana Livingston will offer a distinct lifestyle experience tailored to its residents.

The 55+ collection will promote a relaxed, wellness-driven lifestyle. Residents will enjoy a fitness center, private men’s and women’s sauna and steam rooms, and a co-working mezzanine. Social and recreational spaces will include a clubroom with lounge seating and card tables, a private dining room, a game room with billiards and a golf simulator, and a rooftop terrace with grilling stations, firepits, and outdoor games. Additional lifestyle amenities include dedicated pickleball courts, a pet spa, and a community garden lawn.

The neighboring building will provide an equally rich array of amenities for residents of all ages, emphasizing vibrant social living and family-friendly features. Highlights include a modern fitness center, a party room with multiple lounge areas and fireplaces, a card and poker room, and a hidden speakeasy lounge and movie room. Younger residents will enjoy a kids’ playroom and a teen arcade lounge, while outdoor offerings include a rooftop deck with grilling stations and firepits, a resort-style pool, and covered dining and lawn areas for relaxation and entertaining. A co-working mezzanine and pet spa round out the comprehensive amenity offering.

“As we considered the future of this site, it became clear that it was ideally suited for a multifamily community that would allow us to preserve the value of the location while reimagining its long-term purpose,” said Michael Sommer, Chief Development Officer at Kushner. “We’re proud to continue our work transforming underutilized properties into vibrant destinations that better serve the needs of their communities. Livana Livingston will bring long-term value to the Township of Livingston while offering residents an exceptional quality of life.”

Kushner has established itself as one of New Jersey’s most active real estate developers, with a growing portfolio of mixed-use and multifamily projects across the state. In addition to Livana Livingston, the firm is currently developing 360 rental residences across 15 buildings in Colts Neck; executing the large-scale redevelopment of the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown into Monmouth Square, a new town center with 1,000 residential units, 990,000 square feet of retail, and expansive open space; and revitalizing the Lower Broadway corridor in Long Branch with a 299-unit residential and retail project that will include a SuperFresh grocery market and café while enhancing the connection between downtown and Kushner’s oceanfront Pier Village community.

In Northern New Jersey, Kushner is actively leasing at Livana Fair Lawn and Livana East Hanover, as well as in Jersey City at The Journal, a nearly $1 billion, 1,723-unit mixed-use development adjacent to the Journal Square PATH Station. The project will bring over 2 million square feet of residential, retail, amenities, parking, and public space to one of the region’s most well-connected transit hubs.