Groundbreaking for 202 Belleville – Luxury Residential Development in Belleville, NJ by Kassa Development Group and M&M Development

Groundbreaking for 202 Belleville – Luxury Residential Development in Belleville, NJ by Kassa Development Group and M&M Development

Christie’s International Real Estate Group is proud to announce that Donna Keena, a top-producing broker recognized with the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Gold Award and a Broker Associate from Christie’s Edgewater Sales Gallery, has been appointed the exclusive listing agent for the luxury residences at 202 Belleville, 202 and 215 Belleville Avenue, in the heart of Belleville, NJ. The four-story building will feature 17 one-and two-bedroom residences, ranging from approximately 750 to 1,200 square feet. The project is scheduled to begin leasing in Summer 2026.
 
Groundbreaking took place last month for the 27,647-square-foot mixed-use building, which includes 25,936 square feet of residential space and 1,711 square feet of commercial space. Sharing the shovel for this important event were Maria Yglesias, Principal of M&M Development, LLC, Vinny Cozzarelli, Belleville Council, and Angela Barreto, Principal of Kassa Development Group, Belleville town officials, Mayor Michael Melham, Town Manager Brian Banda, Town Attorney Steven Martino and Christie’s Donna Keena.
 
Kassa Development Group and M&M Development plan to transform the former underutilized commercial site into a needed and well-designed mixed-use project that will bring new residents, life and vitality to the neighborhood.
Keena stated, “Christie’s is excited to be involved with this boutique residential building with its beautiful architectural design, thoughtful living spaces and modern common areas.” She continued, “Nested between the small town’s commercial hub at Washington Avenue and the quintessential Belleville Park, filled in the spring with groves of cherry blossoms, we hope this building will be a community within the community.”
 
The apartments will all feature open-concept layouts with modern interiors, and some will have New York City views. Quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances will accentuate the kitchens, and each residence will have in-unit laundry and walk-in closets. A fitness room, resident lounge, rooftop terrace, package room, and EV parking will be on-site to provide convenience and premium amenities to residents.
 
Breaking ground on the 202 Belleville project is a significant milestone for Kassa Development Group. Their prior experience covers a wide range of properties, revitalizing historic properties in New York and developing new projects throughout New Jersey.
 
M&M Development, LLC brings a proven track record of transformative urban projects, including The Pierre Building and The Cooper Building in Camden, as well as Harmony Square 1 and Harmony Square 2 in Newark—both mixed-income communities offering a blend of affordable and market-rate apartments.
 
“This development is more than just another building; it represents our commitment to Belleville—to revitalizing our neighborhoods, offering high-quality housing options, and driving economic growth,” said Angela Barreto, Principal of Kassa Development Group. We are grateful for the support of our partners and local officials in helping bring this vision to life. We’re excited to see this project completed and to witness the positive impact it will have on the community for many years to come.”
 
“This redevelopment is a true testament to Mayor Melham, the Township Council, and the Boards for their continued vision and commitment to Belleville’s economic growth and long-term revitalization,” explained Angela Barreto, Principal of Kassa Development Group.
 
“202 Belleville represents a milestone in Belleville’s ongoing revitalization, offering boutique luxury rental living with convenient access to shopping, dining, and transportation to NYC, which is approximately 35 minutes away by car,” noted Maria Yglesias, Principal of M&M Development, LLC.
 
More information about Christie’s International Real Estate Group can be found at https://www.christiesrealestategroup.com.
 
 
Left to right – Maria Yglesias, Principal, M&M Development, LLC, Vinny Cozzarelli, Belleville Council, Angela Barreto, Principal, Kassa Development Group, Mayor Michael Melham, Brian Banda, Belleville Town Manager, and Steven Martino, Belleville Town Attorney.
 

About Donna Keena

With 20+ years in real estate, Donna Keena is a top-producing broker recognized with the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Gold Award. She brings proven success in residential sales, land development, commercial deals, and new development lease-ups. Known for her strong market knowledge and trusted relationships, Donna delivers results through experience, strategy, and integrity. https://www.christiesrealestategroup.com/realestate/agent/donna-keena/
 

About Christie’s International Real Estate Group

With more than 1,100 associates and 30 offices, Christie’s International Real Estate Group is the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate serving clients in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The company’s flagship office is located at 1 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan, just moments away from Christie’s Auction House. With a brand legacy of more than 250 years, Christie’s International Real Estate maintains a close relationship with Christie’s, creating unique marketing opportunities and synergies between the worlds of high-end real estate, art and luxury goods. In addition to Christie’s International Real Estate Group’s local and regional real estate expertise in New York City and the tri-state area, the company is globally connected through the Christie’s real estate network with operations in more than 50 countries and annual sales of more than $100 billion. As the premier global luxury real estate brand, Christie’s International Real Estate services clients at the highest level, with trust and integrity, providing passionate expertise and exceptional customer service. For further information, call 201-547-1500, and visit https://www.christiesrealestategroup.com.
 

About M&M Development

Founded in 1997 by Maria E. Yglesias and Maria Del Mar Lopez, M&M Development, LLC is a New Jersey–based real estate development firm built on a shared passion for creating high-quality housing and vibrant communities. As immigrants from Spain, the founders bring a deep understanding of the importance of opportunity, stability, and the true meaning of “home.” Their belief that a home is more than four walls and a roof continues to guide the company’s mission and work.
 
M&M Development specializes in affordable and mixed-income housing, with current projects ranging from rental apartments for People with Special Needs to affordable condominiums, townhouses, and single-family homes in Newark and Camden. Committed to expanding access to homeownership and supporting urban revitalization, the company designs modern, efficient buildings that maximize land use and incorporate green, sustainable, and energy-saving features. M&M Development is proud to bring its vision, innovation, and community-focused approach to neighborhoods across New Jersey.
 

About Kassa Development Group

Kassa specializes in redeveloping low-rise properties to bring renewed vitality to the neighborhoods and communities we serve. Our signature 4-story, 25-unit buildings are thoughtfully designed to meet key urban planning priorities—revitalizing neighborhoods quickly, reducing strain on infrastructure, promoting local economic activity, and supporting long-term city objectives. Offering a purposeful alternative to high-density development, our low-rise structures appeal to residents seeking ease of access, lower maintenance costs, a smaller environmental footprint, and a calm, neighborhood-oriented living environment.
 
We identify prime redevelopment opportunities and deliver them efficiently, creating modern low-rise communities characterized by strong architectural design, well-planned residences, and inviting shared spaces. With more than 120 years of combined experience across New York and New Jersey, our team brings deep expertise in land use, architecture, engineering, construction, finance, and marketing—ensuring each project contributes meaningfully to the fabric of its community.

Work With Me

I plan to bring my success to the local real estate industry to every client and beloved neighborhood. My expertise as a creative marketing liaison aligns traditional, digital, and social communications to offer strategic, creative counsel that meets client objectives while keeping them at the forefront of an authentic audience.

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