Eight years ago, Newark, New Jersey wasn't where most people wanted to live. Today, that story is changing thanks to Pedro Gomes and Gomes Group.
Through modern apartment living and smart home automation, Gomes Group is transforming Newark one neighborhood at a time. They combine smart property development, beautiful design, and respect for the city's history to create thriving communities. Here's how they're doing it.
Building Communities, Not Just Buildings
Founded in 2005, Gomes Group has grown from a real estate company to a full-service firm that develops and manages properties across Newark. Inspired by Miami's Wynwood neighborhood revival, Pedro Gomes decided to transform his own city. As a lifelong Newark resident, Pedro brings passion to every project.
When Gomes Group started building in 2017, they focused on more than construction. They wanted to create spaces where residents could thrive. Every Gomes Group property brings life to the neighborhood through the murals commissioned for each building, connecting Newark back to its roots in art and music.
Art installations, shared spaces, and resident events help neighbors connect. New building openings become community celebrations with music, food, and festivities.
Pedro puts it simply: "Residents aren't just renting an apartment; they're buying into a lifestyle."
More Than Just a Place to Live
Their properties show this spirit. With amenities like coworking spaces, zen gardens, dog wash stations, and partnerships with local cafés and doggy daycares, residents get convenience and connection.
By building community activities into daily life, Gomes Group creates neighborhoods where people from all backgrounds want to stay long-term.
The approach works.
"Our goal is not to have people constantly moving. We want long-term residents," says Pedro. "They help build community, and it's beautiful to see."
Residents love the growing community, and others in the neighborhood are joining in. Pedro explains the challenge: "Commercial demand is growing, but it takes time. You need residents first to attract the businesses that serve them." The neighborhood is making good progress.
Smart Home Automation for Modern Living
Pedro knows that small details make a big impact on buildings and communities. In modern apartment living, residents want convenience and the ability to personalize their space. Smart home automation makes luxury apartments feel special and is now a must-have feature. From the lobby to hallways, seamless design makes people feel comfortable and want to stay.
At the center of this innovation is the Brilliant Smart Home System, a standard feature in buildings like Astor.
Modern renters want comfort and control. Gomes Group saw this need and made smart home automation a key feature. With Brilliant, residents can easily control lighting, music, and temperature through wall controls or their phone app.
Pedro describes the experience as luxury made simple: "When you enter our building, it feels like a boutique hotel. Cool music plays in the lobby, and the design flows smoothly through hallways and elevators. Every detail matters."
Respecting the Past, Looking to the Future
Gomes Group projects don't ignore history—they celebrate it. The company carefully includes Newark's cultural heritage in their projects, using art to connect the past with the future.
One standout feature is commissioned murals on their buildings. These include a mural of Mother Teresa, who lived in a nearby home that still houses 10 nuns today. These tributes create pride and connection among longtime and new residents.
Building a Legacy
With 1,000 units completed and 2,000 more planned, Gomes Group is creating a new district north of University Heights focused on wellness, art, and culture. Future plans include yoga studios, spas, and even a podcast and documentary about the transformation.
This is more than development. It's renewal with heart.
Pedro Gomes and his team prove that when community, culture, and innovation work together, cities don't just change—they flourish. Pedro is building a legacy where everyone belongs.
And Newark is just the beginning. Learn more about Gomes Group.