Page 28 - RE-NJ

26 JANUARY 2024
Designed by Rotwein+Blake, The Terrace at Berkeley Heights consists of 20 apartments and 4,000 square feet of retail space at a former movie theater property at 450 Spring- field Ave. in Berkeley Heights.
Lance Blake, an architect who worked on The Terrace, said
his client, Dr. Foun-Chung Fan, is eyeing “boutique” residential projects on Sherman as well.
the downtown redevelopment, in the western part of Berkeley Heights, will not compete with plans for the big corporate parks to the east.
Berkeley Heights’ downtown probably “can’t compete with the Summit
vibe,” but thinks the new residential development, combined with more pedestrian-friendly redesigns and initiatives will attract retail.
“We’re really trying to connect the dots,” Kraut said. “The opportunity is substantial for new businesses in Berkeley Heights.”
The new residential units are filling up fast, according to developers and town officials, who are hoping
Lance Blake
Brian Kraut
“It will all be complementary,” said Brian
Kraut, chair of the township economic development committee.
Kraut allows that
“Smaller projects make sense for smaller cities,” said Blake, president of Rotwein+Blake in Livingston. “The town is trying to reactivate the Sherman Avenue corridor. There is a lot of potential.” RE
Patricia Alex is a former newspaper reporter and editor who covers real estate and other topics in New Jersey.
commercial tenants will soon follow.
Elite Properties of Watchung has just signed up two retail tenants — a fitness club and a computer school for kids — at its mixed-use, 53-unit Berkeley Crossing II apartment building nearing completion on Springfield Avenue, about a quarter- mile from the train station.
“The true indication of a strong community is getting those retail leases done, so to see the interest in retail space is another validation of our decision to invest in Berkeley Heights,” said David Checchio, general counsel for Elite.
The firm also built a 10-unit apartment building closer to the train and created a pocket park named for the former owner of the land, the late Vito Mondelli, who operated a farm stand there.
Green space that is part of the new downtown includes Peppertown Park at Sherman and Plainfield avenues, named in homage to the favored crop of the Italian immigrant farmers who first settled the township. Berkeley Heights has secured nearly $1 million in state grants to renovate the park,
while the mayor said a dog park is also planned nearby.
As envisioned, Sherman Avenue, now a hodgepodge of residential and commercial space, would morph into more of a Main Street for Berkeley Heights. Grant money is helping construct sidewalks and a bike lane and to provide traffic mitigation on the thoroughfare.
Courtesy: Rotwein+Blake
Elizabeth Metropolitan Logistics Center 103,912 - 299,999 Sq. Ft. Industrial Opportunity
830 Morris Turnpike, Suite 201, Short Hills, NJ 07078 973.379.6644 . www.blauberg.com
19.75 Acres TOTAL ACREAGE
299,999 Sq. Ft. TOTAL BUILDING SIZE
Q2 2024 ESTIMATED DELIVERY
196,087 Sq. Ft. BUILDING 1
103,912 Sq. Ft. BUILDING 2
53 Tailboards LOADING
174 Spaces AUTO PARKING
84 Spaces TRAILER PARKING
40’ Clear CLEARANCE