If you drive along the I-295 corridor near Exit 22, the change is impossible to miss. What was once a quiet stretch of land in Woodbury Heights has transformed into a hive of activity, with cranes pivoting against the sky and finished walls appearing almost overnight. This isn’t just another construction site; it is the arrival of The Randall, a 234-unit community that promises to reshape the borough. For 34 local families, however, it represents something far more personal than just a new building—it represents a chance at an affordable home in a market that desperately needs it.
Origin Story: A 12-Year Journey to “The Randall”
For longtime residents of Woodbury Heights, this site has a long memory. Locally known for years as the “Academy Pointe” project, the land sat in a state of planning limbo for over a decade. It was a project caught in the complex web of court mandates and zoning discussions, a “what if” that hung over the borough for nearly 12 years.
That changed when Greystar, a global leader in rental housing, stepped in to turn the stalled concept into concrete reality. They didn’t just bring capital; they brought a new vision for how to build in the suburbs.
“The need for modern, well-located rental communities continues to grow,” says George Hayward, Managing Director for Greystar Development. His team saw the site not as a burden, but as a strategic link between the quiet of Gloucester County and the job centers of Philadelphia. The project fills a critical gap: high-quality rentals in a town that has historically been dominated by single-family homes.
Work Ethic: Building with Precision (Literally)
What makes The Randall unique isn’t just that it’s being built, but how. If you watch the site closely, you’ll notice the buildings aren’t being stick-framed in the traditional, slow way. Greystar is utilizing a cutting-edge modular construction platform.
The units are built off-site in a controlled factory environment—complete with windows and framing—and then transported to Woodbury Heights to be assembled like massive, precision-engineered building blocks. This “hustle” is about efficiency and quality control.
“Our modular platform allows us to deliver housing efficiently while maintaining high construction standards,” Hayward explains. This method reduces the noise and disruption for neighbors and speeds up the timeline, ensuring the project moves from “site clearing” to “move-in ready” faster than the typical development cycle. It is a modern work ethic applied to construction: smart, fast, and exacting.
Personal Connection: 34 Doors Open
While the modular cranes are impressive, the heart of this story lies in the 34 units set aside for affordable housing. In a region where rents have climbed steadily, these apartments are a lifeline for working families, seniors, and young professionals who want to stay in the community they love.
The waitlist for these units is open now through January 6, 2026. This isn’t just a compliance statistic; it’s a commitment to the borough’s diversity. The borough has made it clear that residents and workers of Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington counties will receive priority.
This section of the project transforms “The Randall” from a real estate asset into a community asset. It answers the question, “Who is this for?” by ensuring that teachers, service workers, and local employees have a seat at the table.
The Product: More Than Just Four Walls
When the dust settles, The Randall will be one of the most amenity-rich addresses in the area. Greystar isn’t just building apartments; they are building a lifestyle campus designed to compete with the high-end complexes in Philadelphia’s suburbs.
The nine-building complex will feature:
One- and two-bedroom apartments with modern finishes.
Coworking spaces for the hybrid workforce.
A fitness center and pool, eliminating the need for a separate gym membership.
A dog park, recognizing that pets are family, too.
“Residents will enjoy best-in-class amenities,” the development team promises. It’s a product designed for the modern tenant who wants the convenience of city living with the space and greenery of Woodbury Heights.
Passion and Drive: A New Chapter for the Corridor
As the final modules lock into place, The Randall stands as a testament to persistence—both from the developers who saw the potential and the borough officials who navigated the long road to approval.
For local businesses along the I-295 feeder roads, the arrival of hundreds of new residents means new regulars at the corner deli and new clients for local services. The skyline of Woodbury Heights is changing, but so is its energy.
“We are committed to delivering high-quality rental communities,” says Hayward, a sentiment that now stands three stories tall on Academy Avenue.
What You Can Do Next
Are you interested in renting at The Randall?
Affordable Units: The waitlist is open until January 6, 2026. Visit AffordableHomesNewJersey.com to submit a preliminary application.
Market Rate Units: Leasing is expected to ramp up as construction nears completion in 2026. Keep an eye on local listings.
