Page 8 - RENJ_April2021

6 APRIL 2021
BRIDGE PLANS 1.7 MILLION SQ. FT.
FOR NEXT PHASE IN PHILLIPSBURG
began in December, with vertical construction slated to kick off this summer and delivery set for the first quarter of 2022.
The work will follow the project’s four-building, 2.2 million-square-foot first phase, which Bridge sold to PGIM Real Estate for $275 million after luring several high-profile tenants.
“Phase I of this project was a tremendous success, and we’re eager to see the same positive response from national and
global companies looking for a headquarters-quality warehousing facility as part of Phase II,” said Jeff Milanaik, partner of Bridge’s Northeast Region. “Bridge sees this project as an opportunity to expand our work transforming this rural region of New Jersey into one of the most active logistics hubs in
the country, and with construction underway, we look forward to turning that vision to reality.”
Existing tenants at Bridge Point
down on that commitment to the local community — and the regional workforce at large — with the introduction of publicly accessible parkland, a mixed-use residential and experiential retail district, and
a host of unique hospitality-inspired amenities that promote wellness, fitness and the work-from-anywhere experience.”
Long known as Connell Corporate Park, the campus is the longtime home of five office buildings totaling 1.5 million square feet, with tenants including L’Oreal, Celgene Corp. and Samsung. The property also includes more recent additions such as a LifeTime Fitness and an Embassy Suites hotel, but the multigenerational landlord is now moving to reposition the site as a full-fledged mixed-use destination.
Among the newest offerings is a 40,000-square-foot co-working and flexible workspace facility, known
as Round Table Studios, which Connell opened in partnership with CBRE’s Hana group. The firm is also modernizing each of its existing office buildings with a physical overhaul and the addition of upscale dining options, an on-site clinic and a high- end fitness center.
Connell has started to roll out the new features — starting at 200 Connell Drive — with health and safety protocols in place as workers return to their offices.
78 include the Japanese clothing company UNIQLO, lawn care manufacturer ScottsMiracle-Gro and beverage distributor Mark Anthony Brands. The
developer noted
that the project
helped solidify
Phillipsburg,
Lopatcong and
the surrounding
region as a
prominent
logistics hub
with strong potential for continued growth, adding that phase one
also earned NAIOP New Jersey’s Industrial Deal of the Year award in 2020.
The two new buildings will have 36- to 40-foot clear ceiling heights, single- and cross-docked loading configurations and ample parking for trucks and cars. At full build- out, Bridge Point 78 will consist of six buildings totaling 3.86 million square feet.
The firm has taken steps such as implementing on-site and virtual health care, introducing spaces such as fully powered and online-enabled outdoor workstations and requiring appointments for the use of the 12,000-square-foot fitness center.
New York City-based designer David M. Sullivan is spearheading the overall repositioning project alongside
Shane Connell, with Gensler serving as the architect of record for Round Table Studios and designer of the repositioning of 200 Connell Drive. Mancini Duffy is now serving as the architect of record for the ongoing transformation of the campus, which already benefits from miles of walking trails, stadium-style seating and benches for breakout sessions among its vast outdoor spaces.
Overall completion of The Park is slated for 2023.
“The Park has long been a staple
of Berkeley Heights, and with
the final adoption of its rezoning
now unanimously approved, its transformation will add an array of high-quality residences, amenities, outdoor trails, restaurants and retail to our community,” Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney said. “We’ve worked hard to create synergies
with the Connell team to create a place that will complement our local businesses, enabling our downtown to thrive while attracting new interest in Berkeley Heights.”
Bridge Development Partners is
set to kick off the next piece of its sprawling industrial park in Warren County, where it plans to add nearly 1.7 million square feet.
The developer said phase two of its
Bridge Point 78 project will include buildings of 1.4 million square
feet and 262,500 square feet, with modern features and easy access to Interstate 78. Work at the 100-acre site along Route 22 in Phillipsburg
Bridge Point 78 in Phillipsburg and Lopatcong
CONNELL SECURES KEY REZONING FOR BERKELEY HEIGHTS CAMPUS
Local officials have approved the rezoning of The Connell Co.’s 185-acre business campus in Berkeley Heights, paving the way for new apartments, retail and entertainment venues alongside the property’s existing office and hospitality buildings.
The developer announced March 9 that it received unanimous approval from the township council, which comes amid a $400 million overhaul of its flagship complex along Interstate 78. With the new zoning in place, Connell is set to begin construction this year on a pedestrian-focused, urban-style development called The District, with plans calling for more than 300 apartments and offerings such as duckpin bowling, a Southern
California-style taco stand and a brewery and beer garden with rooftop event space.
The project would also add a dog park, athletic fields and an additional 30,000 square feet of retail space to what is now known as The Park.
“For decades, The Connell Company has been
Jeff Milanaik
A rendering of The District, a mixed-use project by Connell Real Estate & Development Co. that will include 328 apartments, retail and entertainment space.
Shane Connell
a proud, committed partner to Berkeley Heights,” said Shane Connell, executive vice president with The Connell
Co. “With The Park, we’re doubling
Courtesy: The Connell Co. Courtesy: Bridge Development Partners