Levin Management Corp. is managing the redevelopment of Blue Star Shopping Center in Watchung, which was spurred by a 72,000-square-foot lease and in-center relocation with longtime tenant ShopRite. — Rendering courtesy: Levin Management Corp.
By Joshua Burd
Athletic play franchise KidStrong is headed to Watchung’s Blue Star Shopping Center, leasing 3,000 square feet as the property undergoes a multimillion-dollar upgrade.
According to Levin Management Corp., the center’s leasing team, the operator will provide science-based fitness games led by highly trained coaches. Its new space at the 420,000-square-foot property, located on Route 22 between Terrill and Bonnie Burn roads, will be among more than 125 KidStrong locations in the United States and Canada and one of more than a dozen that franchisee Joe Pedatella owns in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
The deal follows a recent signing at Blue Star by Planet Fitness, which also coincides with a redevelopment that LMC is managing after a 72,000-square-foot lease and in-center relocation with longtime tenant ShopRite. LMC Senior Leasing Representative E.J. Moawad represented ownership in the transaction with KidStrong.
“Every structured, 45-minute KidStrong class is designed to help kids become confident and well-rounded in all aspects of life,” Pedatella said. “We’ve seen, firsthand, the positive, transformative impact the program has had on countless families. There’s nothing quite like KidStrong in the Watchung area, and I am excited to introduce this concept to the community.”
In addition to the newest tenants, LMC is in active negotiations with several more national brands, according to a news release. They would join a tenant lineup at Blue Star that includes Kohl’s, Marshalls, Dollar Tree, The Children’s Place, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, among others, with dining options such as Five Guys, Wendy’s and Arby’s.
Moawad, meantime, noted that fitness- and youth-focused concepts are key elements in distinguishing and diversifying a shopping center’s offerings. Founded in 2015, KidStrong also offers age-appropriate classes designed to improve physical, mental and emotional development in youths ranging from new walkers to 11 years old.
“KidStrong will be an excellent draw for the property and a wonderful community amenity for families with young children,” Moawad said. “Blue Star Shopping Center’s redevelopment not only is creating a new, modern look — it is drawing great new uses to the property.”
https://re-nj.com/lmc-planet-fitness-inks-leases-for-new-watchung-middlesex-locations/
