24 — May 2026 — Central New Jersey — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
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C entral N ew J ersey
NJ’s largest MBE architecture firm evolves to include offices and projects in Philadelphia & NYC DIGroup Architecture kicks off 20 th Anniversary, reflects on two decades of growth
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higher education, health- care, senior living and civic spaces. With the acquisition of Queens, NY-based Graff & Lewent Architects in 2025, the firm has expanded its reach into the transportation market. By focusing on these core pillars, DIG has success - fully scaled its operations while maintaining the people- first, collaborative culture that has become its hallmark. “Our growth into Phila - delphia and New York City was a natural extension of our mission to serve diverse urban populations, many of which have been neglected and lack access to well-de- signed, safe buildings,” said Vince Myers , president. “As we look toward the next 20 years, our focus remains on delivering inspired and transformative design solu- tions that resonate with the human experience and pro-
vide dignity to every user of the built environment.” The firm is marking the 20th-anniversary occasion with a series of initiatives, culminating in a major cli- ent and partner appreciation event. Leadership has also teased “big surprises” to be unveiled during the celebra- tion, highlighting the firm’s forward-looking trajectory and continued evolution. “At our core, we are a group of people who aren’t afraid to roll up our sleeves to solve complex challenges,” said Rich Alderiso , chief operating of- ficer. “Every project over the last two decades has been a chance to change a life. This anniversary isn’t just a look back at where we’ve been, it is a launchpad for where we are going. We are energized by the world around us and ready to continue sharing possibility through design.” MAREJ
EW BRUNSWICK- NJ — DIGroup Ar- chitecture (DIG)
announced the kickoff of its 20th anniversary year, mark - ing two decades of sharing possibility through design, and true partnerships with clients and the communities they serve. Founded in 2006 as the strategic merging of four established design firms to form Design Ideas Group – later known as DIGroup – the firm has since evolved into the largest majority Black-owned architecture and interior design firm in New Jersey. Beyond its roots in New Jersey, the firm also has a deep presence and two additional offices serving the Greater Philadelphia and New York City markets. DIG’s founding was rooted in a commitment to address- ing the critical needs of the JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Marcus & Millichap , a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory ser- vices, announced the sale of Chapel Hill Shops at Jackson, an 8,000 s/f, fully leased multi- tenant retail property at 305 Whitesville Road in Jackson. “Transactions like this are often the result of long-term en- gagement with both ownership and active investors across as- set classes,” said Chez Eider , senior director investments. “Understanding the objec - tives on both sides can create opportunities where there is strong alignment and a clear path to closing, regardless of
Jeff Venezia
Vince Myers
Rich Alderiso
built environment, particu- larly within New Jersey’s underserved public school districts. By prioritizing dig - nity and innovation for these students, DIG established a community-based approach that has defined its work for 20 years. The firm has spent two decades building more than just structures – it has been building futures, com- munities and hope. “Twenty years ago, we founded DIG on the principle that architecture should be a perceptible force for social
change,” said Jeff Vene- zia , chief executive officer. “We were – and still are – more than just architects; we are partners in community transformation, especially in neighborhoods that had been overlooked for far too long. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the talent and continual groundbreaking thinking of our team and the trust our clients place in us to build their futures.” Since its creation, the firm has specialized in high-impact sectors, including PK-12 and
Marcus & Millichap arranges sale of Chapel Hill Shops in Jackson, New Jersey
REDCOM spotlights leadership and collaborative culture
ciency in guiding our in-house architectural department is a fundamental reason we are able to solve complex chal- lenges and deliver successful outcomes for our clients.” Additionally, Teicher was a recent guest on ‘Evolving your Workplace’ with Host Carol Schultz. In a wide-ranging conver- sation, Teicher discussed the collaborative nature of RED- COM. He said, “We have in- house architects, in-house civil engineers, and an in-house construction delivery team. So we’re all under one roof, and we all work together to deliver a project from begin- ning to end.” Teicher spoke about ways he facilitates relationships amongst his teams. He stated, “Top-level talks are when we go off-site to a restaurant or another location with ap- proximately five employees from different departments. It’s an opportunity for them to sit with me to just have a con- versation. There’s no agenda, just talking.” According to Sam Rocka- way , REDCOM’s senior vice president of sales, “Ryan’s focus on listening is extremely power- ful and inclusive. It really en- hances the culture at REDCOM and one of the major reasons for our on-going success.” MAREJ
WESTFIELD, NJ — RED- COM Design & Construc- tion announced two recent c omp a n y highlights: Roberto Martinez , senior vice president of Design has been named a 2026 Lead - er in Real Es- tate, Construction and Design by NJBIZ . This recognition honors Martinez’s outstanding con - tributions to shaping New Jer- sey’s commercial real estate landscape through his leader- ship in design. The awards ceremony will be held on June 9, 2026, at The DoubleTress by Hilton in Somerset, NJ. NJBIZ Leaders in Real Es - tate, Construction, and Design program celebrates profes- sionals and companies driving meaningful progress across the industry. This year’s honorees span disciplines such as archi- tecture, engineering, interior design, real estate develop- ment, project and construction management, general con- tracting, subcontracting, law, and environmental services. “Roberto is a creative leader who brings out the best in his team,” said Ryan Teicher , CEO of REDCOM. “His profi - Roberto Martinez
Chapel Hill Shops at Jackson
asset type.” Eider represented the sell- er, a national investor, and procured the buyer, a local private investor. The buyer plans to continue operating the property while evaluating long-term opportunities. Chapel Hill Shops at Jack - son is on a 1.30-acre lot within
the Jackson–Lakewood cor - ridor, an area supported by steady residential growth and demand for neighborhood- serving retail. The property is fully occupied by a mix of local, service-oriented tenants. The average household in - come within one mile exceeds $141,000. MAREJ
Why retailers should see leases as strategic assets into 30% lower gross occupancy costs, due to the reduced base rent for that now-smaller space. This approach can allow operators to keep less inven- tory on hand while lowering head counts and utility bills. “Right-sizing while maintain - ing your existing revenues can yield substantial, across-the- board savings,” Grant advises. Be transparent about your challenges they strive to be transparent about their financial situation and needs. That might help them persuade the landlord to “reset” the lease and ne - gotiate a permanent rent- reduction, or get through a difficult stretch by winning short-term rent abatement. Most of the time, Grant ob - serves, landlords are highly motivated to work with strug- gling tenants because “the entire center suffers when ten- ants are unable to make rent.” These dynamics are part of continued from page 2 what enables third-party real estate advisors to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in savings in retail and other sectors. A&G, for one, has sold over $13 billion in properties and leases and negotiated over $12 billion in occupancy- cost savings for clients. “While your accountant can’t literally move your leas- es into the ‘assets’ column,” Grant concludes, “a little cre - ativity can go a long way when it comes to getting the most out of your real estate. MAREJ Retailers can do better in landlord negotiations when
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