NAI James E. Hanson, Berardi Development Co. and Joe Maggio Concrete and Masonry joined Sparta Mayor Molly Whilesmith recently to break ground on 5 Aaron Way, a 10,400-square-foot industrial and flex space in Sparta. — Courtesy: NAI James E. Hanson
By Steve Lubetkin
A development and leasing team has broken ground on a 10,400-square-foot industrial and flex space in Sparta, the first of two new buildings slated for a nearly 32-acre complex.
The team — which includes NAI James E. Hanson, Berardi Development Co. and Joe Maggio Concrete and Masonry — joined Sparta Mayor Molly Whilesmith in late June for the ceremony at 5 Aaron Way, part of the White Lake Commerce Park. When complete, the property will accommodate an adaptable building with 20-foot clear ceilings and eight overhead doors.
NAI James E. Hanson’s John J. Schilp is the exclusive leasing broker for the building and for the other lots in White Lake Commerce Park.
“With record high industrial pricing and a limited stock of brand-new flex space in the northern New Jersey market, this project comes at the right time, in the right location and with the right developers to make it a slam dunk,” Schilp said. “Similarly, as I look at each of the other lots making up the development, I see endless opportunities for businesses to establish a presence in northern New Jersey and attract tangible economic growth to Sparta.”
The 1.89-acre lot is being developed in a joint venture between Berardi Building Co., a Sparta-based full service general contracting firm, and Joe Maggio Concrete and Masonry, a Wantage-based masonry and concrete company. Half the building has already been leased to Joe Maggio Concrete and Masonry, and leases are out for signature for the remaining space.
The joint venture will begin construction shortly on an adjacent 1.89-acre lot at 7 Aaron Way to create another 10,400-square-foot industrial/flex building.
Occupying 31.54 acres along the NYS&W freight rail line just off Route 15, the White Lake Commerce Park’s 12 subdivided lots in the heart of Sussex County are only 12 miles from Interstate 80 and less than five miles from Route 206, making the property suitable for a wide range of industrial uses.
“White Lake Commerce Park is located in our Economic Development Zone which brings clean ratables to Sparta Township,” Whilesmith said. “The developers, Anthony and Alex Berardi, are well-known in Sparta for their many first-class commercial buildings.”
As a designated Economic Development District, the White Lake Commerce Park presents developers with unique opportunities to tailor buildings to specific tenant needs in the Sussex County area, according to a news release. Ranging from 1.89 to 5.76 acres, the remaining available lots in the White Lake Commerce Park are zoned for uses ranging from scientific research and development laboratories to office buildings, storage buildings, warehousing and distribution, light manufacturing and indoor recreation.
“I am happy to be constructing the first building at White Lake Commerce Park,” Joe Maggio said. “My company, Joe Maggio Concrete and Masonry, is looking forward to beginning construction on a second building of similar size on the adjoining lot in the near future.”
Anthony Berardi added the he and his son, Alex, have been active in Sparta for many years.
“When John Schilp of NAI Hanson brought this property to us we saw the possibilities it offered and closed on it,” Berardi said. “We have now hired Schilp and NAI Hanson to market the finished project for sale and for lease.”
