Blue Star Shopping Center at 1701 Route 22 in Watchung — Courtesy: Levin Management Corp.
By Joshua Burd
Burlington is coming to the revitalized Blue Star Shopping Center in Watchung, in one of several newly announced leases at the property by Levin Management Corp.
According to a news release, the off-price retailer will occupy part of an updated space alongside a new 27,000-square-foot Marshalls, which is moving from another location in the center. They’ll combine to fill a unit that became available earlier this spring when ShopRite, which anchors the 419,926-square-foot property at 1701 Route 22, moved to a newly built 72,000-square-foot store adjacent to its former location.
LMC, which has served as leasing and managing agent for Blue Star for decades, announced the deals on Tuesday as part of more than 62,200 square feet of new commitments at the site. The activity also includes leases with Taco Bell and Nails Spa & Beyond.
“These leases reflect strong demand for well-positioned retail space in this market,” said E.J. Moawad, an LMC senior leasing representative who represented the landlord in all four transactions. “With more than 62,200 square feet of new commitments and additional deals in the pipeline, Blue Star Shopping Center continues to build meaningful momentum.”
Cliff Simon of CNS Real Estate represented Burlington in the lease, the size of which was not disclosed, adding to a footprint that includes more than 1,100 locations across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Jerry Welkis and Stephan Miller of Welco Realty represented Marshalls, while Bob Delia of Summit Realty represented Taco Bell, which has opened a new 2,900-square-foot restaurant at Blue Star.
Nails Spa & Beyond, meantime, is expanding beyond a location in Westfield to introduce a 5,800-square-foot, full-service nail and beauty spa at the Watchung property.
“Blue Star has been a part of the Watchung community since 1954,” said Matthew K. Harding, LMC’s chief executive. “This redevelopment ensures the property remains competitive, relevant and well aligned with today’s tenant expectations and consumer behavior.”
The complex, which draws some 2.8 million annual visits, is also home to national and regional tenants such as Kohl’s, Dollar Tree, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Five Guys and The Children’s Place, as well as the recently opened Planet Fitness and KidStrong, the news release said. LMC announced in July that Five Below will open a new 10,000-square-foot store at the complex.
LMC: Five Below takes 10,000 sq. ft. in latest deal at new-look Blue Star Shopping Center
