A rendering of a 37,000-square-foot 24 Hour Fitness location that at The Shoppes at Middletown, a planned 340,000-square-foot lifestyle center in Middletown — Courtesy: National Realty & Development Corp.
By Joshua Burd
A national fitness chain has leased 37,000 square feet at a planned high-end shopping center in Middletown, joining a roster that includes Wegmans and a dine-in movie theater.
The landlord, National Realty & Development Corp., announced Monday that 24 Hour Fitness has committed to what will be known as The Shoppes at Middletown. With construction set to begin next spring, the developer has now leased more than 230,000 square feet at the property, which will be located on Route 35 at the intersection of Kings Highway East.
Wegmans and CMX Cinemas will anchor the 340,000-square-foot complex.
“We have always envisioned The Shoppes at Middletown to house a diverse roster of offerings that will significantly enhance the local retail environment and provide a downtown gathering place,” said John G. Orrico, president at NRDC. “A five-star fitness company such as 24 Hour Fitness will bring an exciting energy that has been missing from this part of the Route 35 corridor, and will serve as the perfect complement to Wegmans, CMX Cinemas and the lively, walkable atmosphere that will begin to emerge next year.”
Pierson Commercial’s Ryan Starkman and Jason Pierson represented 24 Hour Fitness.
Plans call for a town center-style development that will offer a blend of grocery, recreation, fitness, specialty boutiques and restaurants with outdoor dining, NRDC said. Other tenants such as Pet Supplies Plus, a liquor store offering wine and liquor tasting events and Nails Spa & Beyond, a high-end, full-service spa and salon with four New Jersey locations, have also joined the center.
The new Wegmans store will feature a European open-air café concept that include displays of fresh produce, meats, fresh-caught seafood, deli products, international foods, plus all the grocery and household items usually found in a supermarket, NRDC said. CMX Cinemas will feature six screens with oversized reclining seats, gourmet dining options and wine and spirits.
