Sal García, Developer... Calls Elizabeth Home
One of America's oldest and most historic cities, Elizabeth, is in the midst of a renaissance. From its early roots as the first capital of New Jersey to its present-day status as a thriving urban center, the City’s ongoing revitalization continues to shape its landscape and character.
One passionate, forward-thinking developer with deep roots in the community is among those leading the charge. Sal García, founder and principal of MAS Development Group – a vertically integrated real estate company focused on urban redevelopment – is a major contributor to the resurgence currently taking place in the city of Elizabeth. This metropolitan landscape boasts several new development projects that are spurring economic growth, and attracting new residents and businesses alike.
García has been winning plaudits for his latest project: Vinty, a mixed-use building that’s part of “Vintage City,” a revitalized district in Midtown Elizabeth. Located across from NJ Transit’s multi-million dollar renovation of the historic Elizabeth Station, Vinty is a collection of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments complemented by on-site luxury amenities, commercial space, and a parking garage. Vintage City also features The Eatery powered by SVK Foodhall from New York City; Jimmy’s Bar with craft cocktails, small bites, and good times; Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe, one of the premier bakeries in the tri-state area; Northfield Bank; and Vintage City Offices: a business center and sophisticated coworking office space serving Union County entrepreneurs, local businesses, and professional service providers. Future plans call for a new hospitality project to join the mix.
The son of Cuban immigrants, Sal was born and raised in Elizabeth and raised his family here. As a dedicated community member, he has also volunteered his time to numerous nonprofits and organizations such as the Elmora Youth League, the city’s softball and baseball league. In 2019, he coached the Little League Baseball team the “Elmora Troopers,” to the Little League World Series. They became Mid-Atlantic champions finishing fourth in the nation and the story was covered by an Emmy award-winning documentary.
» The City Behind Us: The Story of the Elmora Troopers - (click on the title to watch)
When someone is born and raised in a community, they know all the intricacies -- every little corner and heartbeat,” said García. “Elizabeth always has been a part of who I am, and that has cultivated a real passion for this city, from a development perspective. I was already aware of the many positives Elizabeth has to offer. My goal is to collaborate with community leaders and other key stakeholders to make sure everyone knows about the wonderful things happening here.”
García began his real estate career at the age of seventeen when he launched a small construction company that focused on residential and commercial interiors, painting, and property management. He soon noticed a void in Elizabeth’s investment activity and set out to purchase multi-family residential buildings with the goal of reinvesting in his community. He quickly earned a reputation for his willingness to take on projects that others deemed too challenging, purchasing dilapidated real estate and re-positioning these assets to become successful properties that enhanced their respective neighborhoods.
Throughout Sal García’s leadership during the company’s evolution, MÁS Development Group has adhered to the philosophy instilled in Sal by his father, that “there are no problems, only situations!”
“Elizabeth has so many wonderful attributes,” García said. “It is the fourth largest city in the state and one of the most business-friendly. We have two train stations, major highways, Newark Liberty International Airport, and a major seaport. The city features diverse cultural dining, world-class shopping at Simon’s The Mills at Jersey Gardens and IKEA, and is proximate to New York City via NJ Transit to Penn Station/Madison Square Garden in 30 minutes. Elizabeth has always been a desirable location full of possibilities. Although some believe we are in the shadow of Newark and Jersey City, we are doing some important things here as well – visitors, investors, and businesses are starting to take notice of the spotlight on our city.”
Diversity and a powerful sense of community also are part of what makes Elizabeth unique, noted García. The residents of Elizabeth represent dozens of countries and ethnic groups, of all races and income levels. Each neighborhood in Elizabeth has a unique quality; and despite its reputation as an urban center, a feature that keeps the pulse current and vibrant, there is a persistent suburban vibe and close-knit feel among residents. At approximately 11 square miles, the city is easy to traverse, and why it feels that everyone knows each other, not typical of most urban destinations.
MÁS Development’s newest project to break ground is called “Ecco”. The mixed-use development will include 258 luxury apartments and is designed to bring even more new residents into the city.
García concludes, “All roads lead back to Elizabeth – once an entry port for immigrants, Elizabeth has deep roots that continue to expand today,” added García. “The City has been a stepping stone for many families and cultures. With our current projects, we are transforming Elizabeth into a place that allows people to connect back to their past while looking toward the City’s future. It is the reason why I call Elizabeth home!”
