Page 11 - RE-NJ

HUDSON BAY PITCHES SWEEPING PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN WESTFIELD
our longstanding traffic, parking
and congestion challenges, provide much-needed spaces for community gathering, art and events and bring
in unprecedented new sources of tax revenue to the town that will mitigate the tax burden of our residents for generations to come.”
HBC also detailed a plan to improve access to the Westfield train station, namely to alternative modes of transportation, by connecting the north and south sides of the property. Features would include ride sharing, bike stations, storage and pickup and drop-off service locations.
The project as envisioned would generate several million dollars
per year to the municipality for a total of more than $200 million in additional revenues over 30 years, the news release said. It would also create more than 2,900 jobs during construction, as well as 1,700 jobs when operational.
“With more than 40 years of experience in world-class suburban development and placemaking, Streetworks Development prides itself on creating authentic gathering
places that bring lasting economic and social value to its communities,” said Carolina Simon, vice president of development for HBC Streetworks Development. “For three years, we
Hudson Bay Co. has detailed a plan
to transform the site of a vacant
Lord & Taylor building in downtown Westfield and several adjacent blocks, with a proposal that includes nearly 340,000 square feet of office and retail space and more than 200 residential units.
The company, through its Streetworks Development arm, is working with town officials to advance what
would be 731,000 square feet of
total development spanning both
the department store property and several town-owned parcels nearby. That includes 100,000 square feet of high-end, flexible office space through the adaptive reuse of the former Lord & Taylor building on North Avenue, along with a new ground-up, mass timber building with 210,000 square feet of office space and amenities.
The residential component includes 154 apartments and townhomes for residents of age 55 and older, plus
69 rentals catering to families and young professionals, according to a news release. HBC’s plan also calls for 27,000 square feet of street-level retail distributed across the development, new park space and new parking garages for public use on North Avenue and South Avenue that can accommodate more than 450 vehicles.
“HBC has more than 350 years
of experience in reinvention and revitalization,” said Richard Baker, HBC’s governor, executive chairman and CEO. “As the long-term holder of many iconic retail brands, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH, we understand the responsibility we hold to repurpose and bring life to the former Lord & Taylor site in Westfield.
“One Westfield Place will be
welcoming, distinct and authentic, with increased walkability, pedestrian access to open spaces, tree-lined sidewalks, picturesque main streets and buildings expertly designed
to complement the unique charm
and character of the town. The revitalization of downtown Westfield will serve as a model of suburban downtowns for years to come.”
The company said it envisions a sequenced, mixed-use development known that would repurpose underutilized buildings and properties, optimize parking and improve pedestrian connectivity between residential neighborhoods and downtown. Its plan would also help the municipality satisfy its state-mandated affordable housing obligations.
Additionally, Streetworks would look to update the landscaping of the Town Green and Town Square to the north and south of the train station, while enhancing community programming and improving pedestrian and vehicular access. The firm is teaming with the Downtown Westfield Corporation and Dan Biederman of Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, the firm behind New York’s Bryant Park, to develop a comprehensive plan to those ends.
“Driven by our master plan, and
with a commitment to maintaining Westfield’s historical character,
HBC | Streetworks Development is proposing a downtown for the future — one that is more people-centric
than car-centric — with a focus
on sustainability, safe streets and improved infrastructure,” Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle said. “This innovative proposal presents us with a unique opportunity to address
Carolina Simon
have been
active in the community
of Westfield, familiarizing ourselves with its unique attributes and hearing directly from community
A proposal by Hudson Bay Co. and its Streetworks Development arm includes nearly 340,000 square feet of office and retail space and more than 200 apartments and townhomes, which it would develop at the site of a vacant Lord & Taylor building in downtown Westfield and the surrounding blocks.
stakeholders and residents about the improvements they feel would most benefit the town. We will continue
to work closely with the town of Westfield and residents to ensure
this development supports a healthy, vibrant downtown that strengthens the economy, is safe and walkable, and addresses resident traffic, parking and congestion concerns.”
HBC noted that its plans are subject to approval by the Westfield Town Council, a process that will take place in the coming months following the completion of public input.
TM9
Renderings courtesy: HBC
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