For homeowners seeking to elevate their outdoor living experience, the right design and construction partner can make all the difference. Charles and Son Construction & Landscaping, based in West Orange, New Jersey, has established itself as a trusted full-service landscape firm, serving residents across Essex, Union, Morris, and Passaic counties. With a focus on both aesthetic excellence and long-term functionality, the company has become synonymous with high-quality residential landscaping throughout Northern New Jersey.
From initial consultation to project completion, Charles and Son takes a comprehensive approach to landscape design. Every project begins with a detailed evaluation of the property, including soil conditions, sunlight exposure, and existing features, to ensure the final design enhances both beauty and usability. Whether it’s a modern backyard retreat, a classic garden layout, or a complete outdoor transformation, the firm’s team works closely with homeowners to craft custom solutions tailored to their lifestyle and preferences.
Beyond the creative design, the company is renowned for its construction capabilities. Hardscape installation, including patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens, is executed with precision and durability in mind. Their team also handles irrigation systems, drainage solutions, and outdoor lighting to ensure that every project is functional and sustainable, allowing homeowners to enjoy their spaces year-round. By integrating both softscape and hardscape elements seamlessly, Charles and Son creates cohesive outdoor environments that enhance property value and curb appeal.
One distinguishing feature of the company is its dedication to using high-quality materials and proven construction techniques. From natural stone and pavers to custom woodwork and ornamental plantings, every element is selected for its longevity and visual impact. Homeowners can expect not only a visually stunning landscape but also one that is built to withstand New Jersey’s seasonal extremes.
Charles and Son’s reputation is built on more than just craftsmanship; it is also rooted in customer experience. Their team emphasizes clear communication, punctual project timelines, and meticulous attention to detail. Many clients have praised the company for turning their vision into reality while navigating complex outdoor construction projects with ease.
As Northern New Jersey continues to grow and homeowners seek ways to maximize outdoor living, landscape design and construction services remain a vital part of the region’s real estate and property development landscape. For those interested in exploring broader industry trends, project inspiration, or new developments in residential property enhancements, additional insights are available through real estate coverage on Explore New Jersey.
Whether it’s revitalizing a small backyard or executing a large-scale estate project, Charles and Son Construction & Landscaping exemplifies how professional expertise, creative design, and practical construction come together to transform outdoor spaces into lasting, functional, and beautiful extensions of the home.
Major Financing Clears the Way for Homestead Gateway, a Transformative New Tower in the Heart of Journal Square. A high-profile mixed-income development in Jersey City’s Journal Square is officially moving forward after securing a major financing package that puts years of planning into motion. Work is already underway at the large Newark Avenue site, where a new 34-story tower will replace a long-standing surface parking lot and help redefine one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the city. The project is also drawing considerable attention across New Jersey’s real estate community—an area our readers can explore further through real estate insights and updates.
The project, known as Homestead Gateway, is being led by Lions Group and is positioned to become a substantial new residential anchor at 701 Newark Avenue. The plan calls for 360 modern apartments, including 90 designated affordable units—an unusually high commitment for a high-rise development of this scale in a major urban hub. Once complete, the tower will bring new housing options, updated streetscape design, and a broad set of community amenities to a neighborhood already experiencing a wave of significant investment and revitalization.
The financing behind the tower is equally noteworthy. JLL Capital Markets announced it secured approximately $200 million in structured capitalization and a forward Freddie Mac commitment for the project. The funding package was made possible through a comprehensive capital solution delivered by the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives. That package includes construction financing, bridge funding, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, and the purchase of Aspire tax credits. The multilayered structure reflects the complexity—and ambition—of a development designed to mix market-rate residences with substantial affordable housing in one of the region’s most competitive rental markets.
Homestead Gateway benefits from several key approvals that have helped stabilize the development pathway. It received a 30-year tax abatement from Jersey City earlier in the year, as well as a $90 million award through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Aspire tax credit program. These commitments underscore the city’s long-term strategy to pair private investment with public incentives in order to increase housing supply, create workforce opportunities, and generate long-term economic activity.
Project leaders have emphasized the unique blend of public benefits associated with the tower. Aaron Shirian, Principal at Lions Group, highlighted that few developments of this scale combine substantial affordable units, union labor, and neighborhood-driven amenities within one integrated plan. Jersey City’s development approach, he noted, has continued to attract national attention for its combination of strategic planning and strong community impact.
A defining feature of Homestead Gateway is the dedication of one-third of the site to publicly accessible open space. This expansion of the Homestead Place Pedestrian Plaza will help create a more walkable district and further strengthen the area’s growing identity as a transit-accessible, pedestrian-friendly hub. The streetscape directly in front of the tower will form the gateway to this expanded plaza, creating a clear connection between the new building and the evolving neighborhood around it.
Inside, future residents will find a slate of modern amenities designed for today’s urban lifestyle. Plans include nearly 3,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, a fitness center, rooftop lounge, dedicated bicycle storage, co-working areas, and various shared-use spaces aimed at fostering a strong residential community. The development also stands out for its workforce commitments: construction will be completed entirely with union labor through a Project Labor Agreement with Hudson County Building Trades, and the building will be operated by permanent union staff through an agreement with 32BJ SEIU.
The project’s broader significance extends beyond Journal Square. As real estate leaders continue to point out, mixed-income developments like Homestead Gateway play an essential role in advancing long-term housing solutions statewide. They provide a blueprint for how affordability, economic growth, and community-centered planning can operate together rather than in competition. The momentum behind this project signals how Jersey City continues to evolve—not just upward, but outward in the ways it supports residents across income levels.
Preliminary construction activity is already underway on site, and a formal groundbreaking ceremony is expected before the end of the year. As the structure begins to rise, Homestead Gateway is poised to become one of the most consequential additions to the Journal Square skyline, and a defining example of how thoughtful development can reshape neighborhoods while delivering real, lasting benefits to the community.
