Cover Story

Our monthly cover story in Real Estate NJ is a must-read, as we bring you an insider’s look at the decisions, personalities and economic conditions that are shaping the market.

Retail leaders see a clearer path to recovery, despite continued uncertainty

Despite the enduring struggles of malls, further bankruptcies by large chains and other challenges to brick-and-mortar retail, industry leaders say the path to stability is becoming clearer. That’s especially true for properties that were fundamentally stronger before the pandemic, which are now drawing the attention of tenants in search of space. 

New Jersey needs turnkey lab space, faster approvals to compete for life sciences users

Experts say New Jersey faces a growing challenge: While it’s still a major draw for pharmaceutical research and development, speed to market has become increasingly important to life sciences users. That means the state’s lack of move-in-ready lab space — and its lengthy approval process for new construction — puts it at a disadvantage to competing markets.

New grants for New Jersey towns, cities could boost redevelopment opportunities

Business leaders are cheering the passage of a new economic development incentives law in New Jersey, following a two-year battle in Trenton and the added uncertainty of the pandemic. Yet some stakeholders are pointing to a far less heralded, less contentious piece of the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act as a key tool for spurring new investments around the state.

Technology can be crucial to health, safety in post-COVID office buildings

With some office workers returning to work in New Jersey, landlords have taken steps to keep them safe and healthy in their buildings. Those steps involve not only physical upgrades and new on-site technology, but the use of apps and digital platforms aimed at keeping employees informed, engaged and connected.

A decade after pivoting, Hartz Mountain has created a residential destination in Weehawken

Hartz Mountain Industries has built nearly 1,400 apartments along the Weehawken waterfront, having pivoted from a plan that once called for 2.5 million square feet of commercial space.

Connell looks to build community hub, workplace of the future at Berkeley Heights office park

Connell Real Estate & Development Co., the developer and longtime owner of Connell Corporate Park in Berkeley Heights, is in the midst of a sweeping, $400 million improvement and expansion of the 185-acre property, one that will create new apartments, restaurants, entertainment and urban-style park space by 2023.

Sanzari drawing on 75 years of stability, relationships to guide tenants through crisis

Like other landlords, Alfred Sanzari Enterprises has spent months with its buildings mostly empty as businesses cope with the effects of the pandemic. But the family-owned firm has weathered the crisis and helped its tenants do the same thanks to its own financial strength and ability to act quickly, which stem from a patient, low-leverage approach that goes back 75 years.

Health, quality of life a growing focus in designing warehouse and logistics buildings

The race to attract quality labor has led industrial developers and users to focus increasingly on wellness-oriented design and features, but that shift has become all the more important in recent months as occupiers look to keep employees safe from COVID-19.

Relaxed deadlines could bring new attention, momentum to Opportunity Zone projects

The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened to stall many development projects nationwide, including those under the federal Opportunity Zone program, but experts say those investments could gain new momentum after a series of recent steps by regulators.

Jersey City forges ahead with high-profile development pipeline, despite pandemic

While local officials across New Jersey have hit the brakes on large-scale projects, Jersey City has made a deliberate effort to keep its pipeline flowing since the start of the health and economic crisis, as many developers remain bullish on its booming residential market.