Clarus Maplewood in Maplewood — Courtesy: JMF Properties
By Joshua Burd
JMF Properties has completed the lease-up of its 20-unit, wellness-focused residential community in downtown Maplewood.
Known as Clarus Maplewood, the boutique rental property opened last summer on Maplewood Avenue, just steps from the township’s train station. Its developer said residents have embraced the project’s emphasis on healthy living, which prompted features such as air purification, water filtration, optimized window performance for light control and designated fitness and relaxation spaces.
As such, JMF touted the three-story building as the first residential community in New Jersey designed for WELL certification, which has requirements such as creating an environment that helps improve resident sleep patterns, nutrition, fitness and mood.
“We are extremely proud of the one-of-a-kind community we have created here at Clarus Maplewood, and we are happy to announce its lease-up,” said Joe Forgione, founder and principal of JMF Properties. “Our residents enjoy a lifestyle that is unlike any other offered in New Jersey, with an intense focus on improving resident health and wellness, all in a commuter-friendly location in one of New Jersey’s most beautiful and highly-desirable downtown settings.”
JMF has also leased the building’s street-level retail to Starbucks, BCB Bank, Abby Haliti Salon, and The Cassidy Bar + Kitchen, which have all opened and are expected to benefit from Maplewood’s busy downtown. Meantime, the nearby train station offers a 35-minute ride to and from Manhattan.
Residences have high-end finishes and appliances, JMF said in a news release. All residents will have access to amenities such as a fitness center, yoga and spin studio, package center, resident lounge and others features.
WELL certification is an active standard, with thorough annual evaluations by inspectors, JMF said. Fewer than 300 buildings worldwide have been certified by WELL, and only a small handful are residential buildings.
“The first residents of our community have wholeheartedly embraced everything that makes Clarus special,” Forgione said. “We have set the highest of standards and are actively committed to maintaining them day-in and day-out for many years to come.”