7 Giralda Farms in Madison — Courtesy: Bergman Real Estate Group
By Joshua Burd
Upgrades to its New Jersey office buildings are seemingly bearing fruit for Bergman Real Estate Group, helping fuel nearly 80 leases across the firm’s portfolio during the first half of the year.
In a recent announcement, the company said much of the activity was concentrated in its five Bergen County properties. In Rochelle Park, Bergman signed three renewals and two new multiyear leases the Sherbrooke Office Center II at 201 West Passaic St., while welcoming three new tenants and completing two renewals at 365 West Passaic St.
“This impressive rate of transactions — is on pace to exceed 2021 and demonstrates how we are committed to bringing the best available amenities and services to our tenants,” said Michael Bergman, CEO and president. “Through initiatives like Bergman Cares that bring amenities that prioritize employee wellbeing, to significant capital investments that renovate our properties from top to bottom, our tenants appreciate the work put into each property we own and manage in New Jersey.”
John Osbourne, the firm’s executive director of leasing and marketing, added: “Bergen County is a thriving hub for businesses, and this hub continues to grow, driven by its proximity to retail, services, major highways and New York City. The county is also benefitting from an influx of new residents planting roots in the area, contributing to a large talent pool businesses can hire from.”
Bergman’s overall leasing activity from January through June 2022 included 77 deals, the firm said. It noted that its Bergen County properties are minutes from retail hubs such as Westfield Garden State Plaza and from routes 17 and 4, Interstate 80, the Garden State Parkway and crossings into New York City.
“For both new and renewing tenants, the accessibility of office spaces like 201 West Passaic St. and 365 West Passaic St. is one of the first features that attracts tenants to us,” said Isabel Freire, senior director of leasing and marketing for Bergman. “Then, they tour the buildings and see all the renovations we’ve made and amenities we’ve introduced, and tenants know they’ve found the perfect office space for their businesses.”
In addition to the leasing activity in Bergen County, Bergman Real Estate Group welcomed several notable tenants earlier in 2022, including law firm Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP. The firm signed a new 11-year lease for 17,356 square feet at 7 Giralda Farms in Madison, while environmental engineering firm BEM Systems signed a new eight-year, 10,800-square-foot lease at the building.
“It’s our continuing commitment to our tenants and capital improvements programs that attracts high-quality tenants,” Osbourne said, noting that 7 Giralda underwent major renovations since being acquired by Bergman in 2021. That includes a $3.6 million capital investment for amenities such as a 3,000-square-foot upgraded fitness center with locker rooms, a 6,000-square-foot full-service café with seating and multiple meeting areas such as a training center and co-working space.
