A rendering of Metropolitan Lofts, a 59-unit luxury apartment building in downtown Morristown. — Courtesy: Woodmont Properties
By Joshua Burd
With plans that go back more than a decade, the landmark redevelopment of the former Epstein Department Store in Morristown has entered its final phase.
The developers behind the project, Woodmont Properties and Roseland Residential Trust, announced Tuesday that they have started construction on a 59-unit luxury apartment building at 11 Dehart St. Known as Metropolitan Lofts, the property will feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and 1,100 square feet of retail space on the ground level.
The project follows other phases that have helped energize downtown Morristown, including two residential buildings, 53,000 square feet of retail and a 795-car public parking facility.
“As the steel begins to rise, we are eager to complete the final piece of the highly anticipated redevelopment of the former Epstein Department Store site,” Stephen Santola, executive vice president of Woodmont Properties, said in a prepared statement. “Combined with 40 Park, The Metropolitan and the Shops on the Green, Metropolitan Lofts further solidifies Morristown’s position as one of New Jersey’s premier live-work-play destinations.”
The redevelopment kicked off in October 2006, following more than two years of planning, with the demolition of the 75,000-square-foot department store, a nearby building and a nearby parking garage. It was one of the earlier downtown revitalization projects in Morristown and in New Jersey, serving as something of a roadmap for other municipalities in the subsequent decade.
Metropolitan Lofts, which is steps from the Morristown Green, will include amenities such as a fitness center and golf center, according to a news release. Residents also will have access to the rooftop terrace, clubhouse and game room of the neighboring property, The Metropolitan.
“This project is transforming Morristown and is part of our commitment to transit-based development that allows residents easy access to retail, restaurants and nightlife and impressive on-site amenities,” said Andrew Marshall, president and chief operating officer of Roseland Residential Trust. “Our partnership with Woodmont and the town has been tremendously successful and we look forward to completing the final phase.”
