Rowan Boulevard in Glassboro — Courtesy: Nexus Properties
By Joshua Burd
Five new retail tenants are set to open at Rowan Boulevard, the $400 million development that has expanded Rowan University’s campus while helping to transform downtown Glassboro.
Nexus Properties, the lead developer in the project, on Wednesday announced the nearly 9,000 square feet of retail leasing activity within the mixed-use project. The operators are helping to fill the 40,000 square feet of retail and office space that has opened within the most recent phase of Rowan Boulevard, which also calls for 557 student beds, 37 market-rate apartments, modern classrooms and structured parking for 934 cars.
They include:
- Alicia DiMichele Boutique, a women’s fashion boutique led by designer and fashionista Alicia DiMichele of VH1’s “Mob Wives,” which has opened on the ground floor of the Enterprise Center at Rowan Boulevard;
- Tech Zone, an Apple-Certified IT maintenance shop, available to repair or replace damaged electronics, broken cell phones and personal computers, which will open at 220 Rowan Blvd.
- Six Pack Training, a personal training facility located adjacent to Rowan University’s new student fitness center, on Victoria Street;
- Cookie Munchers, a cookie delivery service operated by Rowan University alumni, which will offer delivery or pick-up of freshly baked cookies
- Mexican Mariachi Grill, a restaurant that will serve traditional Mexican food and is scheduled to open in December
“The new businesses coming to Rowan Boulevard bring a new level of vibrancy to what is becoming one of the most exciting downtowns anywhere in the region,” Nexus Properties’ Chief Operating Office Dante Germano said. “There’s no question that these new dining and retail options will be a huge hit, both with Rowan University students and the broader community alike.”
Rowan Boulevard is already home to several existing retailers, including the sports bar Chickie & Pete’s, Tony Luke’s and Barnes Noble Bookstore and café. The operators are open year-round.
“Offering a diverse and desirable assortment of retail options is a critical component of making Rowan Boulevard a truly great destination,” said Ronda Abbruzzese, Nexus Properties’ vice president of leasing and marketing, who represented the company in-house in the transactions. “What we’re creating is so much more than a hub for student housing — it’s a year-round, walkable downtown for all generations.”
The final phase of the Rowan Boulevard project is currently undergoing construction and is expected to open in August 2018. The initiative, a partnership among the borough of Glassboro, Rowan University and private developers led by Nexus Properties, is anchoring the transformation of downtown Glassboro with retail, dining, medical facilities, community space and new residences for students and professionals.
Once completed, Rowan Boulevard will feature 2,771 student beds, 82,000 square feet of classroom space, 114 market-rate apartments and a 129-room hotel. The master plan also calls for 28,000 square feet of medical space, a 17,700 square feet fitness center, 144,000 square feet of retail space, a 1.75-acre town square and two parking garages totaling over 2,300 parking spaces.
