An aerial view of the former Hoffmann-La Roche campus in Clifton and Nutley, now known as ON3 as part of a sprawling mixed-use redevelopment plan. — Courtesy: Prism Capital Partners
By Joshua Burd
Prism Capital Partners has unveiled a new website and social media platforms for the ongoing redevelopment of the former Hoffmann-La Roche campus in Clifton and Nutley, as part of its effort to gather community input at what is now known as ON3.
In a news release, the Bloomfield-based firm said the digital platforms are designed to give local residents the latest redevelopment news at the property and to solicit their feedback tied to potential future uses they would like to see. Prism expects to see a mix of uses at the 116-acre site, having already secured commitments from the planned Seton Hall-Hackensack Meridian Graduate School of Medicine and the bio-fabrication firm known as Modern Meadow.
“Our goal is to expand the dialogue about ON3 with community members in Clifton and Nutley,” said Eugene R. Diaz, principal of Prism Capital Partners. “We encourage feedback to help the planning of an innovative mixed-use lifestyle hub that ON3 envisions to ensure this redevelopment will best serve the area.
“We know the 24/7 convenience living concept is attractive to forward-thinking enterprises that want to offer their employees an environment that allows them to live, work, learn and play all in one place. We want to learn more about what residents’ preferences are for future uses.”
The high-profile project calls for repurposing the historic Roche campus on Route 3, following a decision by the pharmaceutical giant to vacate the property after some 80 years. Prism and its partners acquired the site last fall and have moved quickly to repopulate the complex.
Renovations to existing buildings are currently underway to support the needs of the new medical school and of Modern Meadow, which develops collagen proteins to make leather, rather than using animals. The latter has relocated from Brooklyn under a 73,000-square-foot lease with Prism, while the firm is in discussions with several other office tenants.
“When Roche went dark, more than 1,000 people lost their jobs, and the municipalities lost $10 million in annual tax revenue,” said Edwin H. Cohen, principal of Prism Capital Partners. “Replacing the former single-user complex with a seamless integration of an appropriate mix of uses, such as potential medical, R&D, apartments, retail, hotel and entertainment amenities, will bring back jobs and tax revenue to Clifton and Nutley while ensuring the ON3 campus’ longevity for decades to come.
“It takes creativity to attract innovative users for the long term, and the appropriate development of ON3 can do just that.”