Salem City is stepping into a new chapter of revitalization with the launch of Linden Street Homes, an affordable housing development designed to bring opportunity, stability, and long-term growth to this historic South Jersey community. More than just new construction, this initiative is part of a larger vision to restore neighborhoods, expand homeownership, and create sustainable prosperity for families.
A Neighborhood Built for Families
The first phase of this redevelopment introduces six new single-family homes on Linden Street, designed by Milla Architecture Studio to blend modern comfort with practical living. Each home spans roughly 2,000 square feet and includes:
- Three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms
- Private garage and backyard space
- In-unit laundry
- Energy-efficient construction
With estimated monthly costs under $1,500, these homes are targeted at households earning between $40,000 and $80,000 annually—making them not only attainable but often more affordable than renting in the region. Families of three to six people will find these homes designed to meet both present needs and future aspirations.
For readers interested in the broader real estate landscape in New Jersey, you can explore more developments like this here.
A Public-Private Partnership with Big Impact
The Linden Street project is the result of a collaboration between Restrepo & Associates, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority (CCIA), New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), the City of Salem, and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
This multi-stakeholder partnership reflects a powerful model for how public resources and private expertise can come together to address long-standing housing challenges. By redeveloping abandoned and underutilized lots through the city’s landbanking program, Salem is not only creating new homes but also reclaiming neighborhoods once left behind.
A Vision for Salem’s Future
Located just 45 minutes from Philadelphia, Salem is increasingly drawing interest from commuters and hybrid workers searching for more space and affordability. Projects like Linden Street Homes are positioned to answer this demand while also keeping longtime residents at the center of the city’s growth.
Mayor Dr. Jody Veler emphasized the project’s role in Salem’s long-term strategy:
“By creating high-quality, attainable homes, we are not only giving families the opportunity to put down roots in Salem, but we are also strengthening our neighborhoods and laying the groundwork for long-term growth. This is the first of many steps toward a revitalized, thriving Salem City.”
Financing That Builds Community Wealth
Funding for the initiative is supported by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund through the DCA, with additional financing from NJCC. The goal is not simply to build houses, but to generate community wealth, improve economic opportunity, and ensure local families can remain part of Salem’s future.
NJCC President and CEO Bernel Hall highlighted this mission-driven approach:
“Linden Street Homes exemplifies three pillars of our mission. This project continues the transformation of the City of Salem and serves as a model for future initiatives.”
A Pathway to Homeownership
Applications for these new homes opened on September 1 and will remain open for 60 days, with buyers chosen through a lottery system. Only New Jersey residents are eligible, ensuring that local families have first access to this opportunity. Construction is expected to wrap up within nine months, with move-ins anticipated shortly thereafter.
Beyond housing, the development will also create local construction jobs, supporting Salem’s economy while keeping the benefits of redevelopment rooted in the community.
Restrepo & Associates: A Developer with a Mission
At the helm of this project is Restrepo & Associates, a Cranford-based developer with over 25 years of experience in affordable housing. With more than $130 million in development costs currently underway and a pipeline of 216 units, the firm has built a reputation for aligning real estate projects with community needs.
President John E. Restrepo summed up the company’s vision:
“Our company is committed to assisting families in locating suitable housing, fostering community ties, and building wealth while participating in local growth and prosperity. We anticipate that the state will continue to allocate resources toward single-family housing to support families aspiring to own a piece of New Jersey.”
Why Linden Street Homes Matters
Though modest in scale at just six homes, the project is designed to serve as a catalyst for broader revitalization. By converting vacant lots into new homes, Salem City is setting the tone for neighborhood renewal and a more sustainable future.
The Cumberland County Improvement Authority, which has led redevelopment efforts across the region since 2015, sees Linden Street as a model for replication. From waste-to-energy innovations to public facility management, the Authority continues to blend environmental stewardship with economic growth—and now, with neighborhood-focused housing.
Jerry Velazquez, President and CEO of the CCIA, called the project a “meaningful first step” toward stabilizing neighborhoods and implementing Salem’s Landbank program in a way that benefits residents for decades to come.
Looking Ahead
The Linden Street Homes initiative shows how collaborative redevelopment can turn vacant properties into pathways for prosperity. Salem’s commitment to affordable homeownership, paired with strong public and private leadership, positions the city as a place where families can grow, invest, and thrive.
For those watching Salem’s story unfold, Linden Street is more than construction—it’s a promise of renewal. And as the first residents step into their new homes, they won’t just be moving into a house—they’ll be part of Salem’s future.
