A rendering of The Rail @ Red Bank — Rendering by Rotwein + Blake/Courtesy: Denholtz Properties
By Joshua Burd
Denholtz Properties has landed its first retail tenant at a new mixed-use project in Red Bank, inking a lease with a locally based juice, smoothie and acai bowl shop.
The tenant, Melonhead, is taking 565 square feet at what’s known as The Rail @ Red Bank, which is now under construction at 116-118 Chestnut St. The business will occupy part of the project’s ground-floor commercial space, providing an additional service for residents of the 57 luxury apartments above and for the surrounding neighborhood.
“The Rail @ Red Bank’s retail tenants are not only an exciting amenity for the building’s residents but a key component in jumpstarting the local economy surrounding the train station,” said Steven Denholtz, CEO of Denholtz Properties. “Through attracting in-demand and growing tenants like Melonhead as well as new residents, we are confident that The Rail @ Red Bank will be a powerful catalyst in the continued growth of the business community on the West Side.”
Gary Krauss of Pierson Commercial represents ownership in leasing the 6,500-square-foot retail component, which benefits from a location next to the Red Bank train station. Slated for completion next spring, the project is also adjacent to a recently renovated, 30,000-square-foot office building that is home to Denholtz Properties’ corporate headquarters.
Melonhead opened its first location in Sea Bright in 2016, according to a news release. Since then, founder Nick Frangipane has taken inspiration from his travels around the globe to inspire a diverse menu offering all-natural juices, smoothies and acai bowls.
The operator’s newest location in Red Bank will feature a sophisticated, island-style design with outdoor bistro seating to activate the area surrounding The Rail and the train station, the news release said. Melonhead will also offer an expanded breakfast menu including coffee, oatmeal, bagels and muffins as well as healthy breakfast options for commuters at the train station.
“When we started to think about a second location, Red Bank’s energy and dynamism made it the ideal spot,” said Frangipane, who recently teamed with a new business partner, Jim Whelan. “The design of The Rail @ Red Bank perfectly encapsulates that spirit and we are excited to be its first retail tenant and join the Red Bank community.”
