Developers Gear Homes To Orthodox Jews

Designated an "active adult" community, the 175-home development was designed for residents aged 55 and over. It was also designed for Orthodox Jews, the religious group that makes up the majority of the population in Lakewood, New Jersey.

"The design of its houses, its layout and the amenities in its community buildings take Orthodox culture, beliefs and lifestyle into account, said Lloyd A. Rosenberg of DMR Architects, the firm hired by Somerset Development of Lakewood to take the idea forward."

"Each kitchen will be kosher — that is, with two sets of appliances and sinks — and the community pool house will include a mikvah, for ritual baths taken by women, the architect said."

The homes are also equipped with larger-than-usual dining rooms intended for big family gatherings, as well as a room designed for religious study. Parts of the community will be built as pedestrian-only streets, and all homes will have garages accessible through an alley behind the house. Though the development is clearly aimed at a particular market, the developers will not discriminate against any buyers.

"Ralph Zucker, chief executive of Somerset Development, said the housing at Pine River was open to all, Orthodox or not. Town officials scrutinizing an architectural rendering of the project had requested that a hat be removed from the head of a man shown walking down a Pine River street, although Hasidic men in hats are a common sight in Lakewood."