The Community Builders Opens 53-Unit Stirlingside Residences in New Brunswick Multifamily Development

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The Community Builders (TCB), alongside New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill, the New Brunswick Housing Authority, Middlesex County, and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), has completed Stirlingside Residences, a 53-unit mixed-income multifamily real estate development in New Brunswick, N.J. The ribbon cutting, held May 26, marks the latest milestone in TCB's more than 25-year presence in the city.

Project Details and Unit Mix

Stirlingside Residences is designed to serve families across a range of income levels, with a unit mix of 13 three-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, and 10 one-bedroom apartments. Six of the 53 homes are reserved for families and individuals who have previously experienced homelessness, aligning the project with housing-first funding strategies that Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios described as central to the county's Housing First Capital Funds initiative.

"Stirlingside Residences demonstrates how important partnerships and strategic investment can expand housing affordability and support residents experiencing homelessness," Rios said. "Through Middlesex County's Housing First Capital Funds initiative, we are proud to help create inclusive communities where residents can access safe housing without stigma, rebuild their lives, and achieve a stronger quality of life for themselves and their families."

The development includes a community room, fitness room, bicycle storage, laundry area, and professional on-site property management. Stirlingside Residences has achieved both ENERGY STAR® certification and Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) certification, standards that promote energy efficiency and lower utility costs for residents.

The property is located near downtown New Brunswick, offering walkable access to public transit, employment, schools, healthcare, and retail services.

Financing Structure

The real estate development was made possible through a collaborative financing structure. Financing partners include NJHMFA, Middlesex County, the City of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Housing Authority, CPC Mortgage Company, Raymond James Housing Opportunities Fund, Santander Bank, The Reinvestment Fund, and New Jersey Community Capital.

NJHMFA supported the project through 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, its Affordable Housing Gap Subsidy Program, and the Affordable Housing Production Fund. NJHMFA Executive Director Melanie R. Walter noted the complexity of bringing the project to completion.

"Today's ribbon cutting for Stirlingside Residences reflects years of persistence, collaboration, and dedication in navigating changing economic and construction conditions," Walter said. "Through our 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Affordable Housing Gap Subsidy Program, and Affordable Housing Production Fund, we are proud to help deliver 53 affordable homes to the residents of New Brunswick."

CPC Mortgage Company's Michael Staton, Managing Director and Head of Agency Lending, highlighted the breadth of the partnership. "This development offers a mix of apartment sizes, including homes set aside for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and is designed to provide residents with stability and opportunity," Staton said. "We are grateful to work alongside The Community Builders, Santander Bank, Raymond James Housing Opportunities Fund, and our local partners to bring this project to life."

Pike Construction Co. served as the general contractor, with design by Inglese Architecture + Engineering.

The Community Builders' Long-Term Presence in New Brunswick

For The Community Builders, Stirlingside Residences is the latest development in a long-term commitment to New Brunswick. TCB's relationship with the city dates to 1998, when it was designated as developer for the HOPE VI Revitalization Plan. Since then, the organization has developed 244 homes in the community, including Hope Manor Apartments, Riverside Apartments, and Lord Stirling Apartments.

Jesse Batus, TCB's NY/NJ regional vice president of development, framed the ribbon cutting within that broader context. "This ribbon cutting marks an important step forward for affordable housing in New Brunswick. We're proud to deliver homes that strengthen the community and reflect our long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for families to thrive," Batus said. "On behalf of The Community Builders, I extend my deepest thanks and a well-earned congratulations to Mayor Cahill, the NJHMFA, and the many partners, stakeholders, and neighbors who made this development possible."

Mayor Cahill described the project as a model for public-private collaboration. "Stirlingside Residences represents the kind of thoughtful development New Brunswick is proud to support… development that creates opportunity, strengthens neighborhoods, and ensures that families of all backgrounds can continue to call our City home," Cahill said. "This project reflects what can be accomplished when strong public and private partners work together with a shared commitment to affordable housing, community stability, and a brighter future for our residents."

About the Key Organizations

The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency advances affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs throughout New Jersey. More information is available at NJHousing.gov.

Sources:
The Community Builders — Stirlingside Residences Ribbon Cutting Announcement