West Branch Commons at 1701 Morris Ave. in Union Township — Courtesy: Urban Edge Properties
By Joshua Burd
Urban Edge Properties has filled a vacant big-box retail space in Union Township, where it has leased more than 24,000 square feet to Ashley Furniture.
The real estate investment trust said Ashley will occupy the former home of Office Depot at West Branch Commons, a 279,065-square-foot property at 1701 Morris Ave. With the 24,211-square-foot lease, the chain will now anchor the complex alongside Lowe’s and Burlington.
“We have successfully worked with Ashley Furniture at a number of our properties and are very pleased to continue that relationship and revitalize West Branch Commons with a new anchor,” said Scott Auster, a senior vice president and head of leasing at Urban Edge. “After looking for space in this market for a long time, West Branch Commons proved to be an ideal fit for Ashley’s newest store.”
William Farkas and Mike Testa of Jeffery Realty represented Urban Edge in the deal, while Richard Weiss and David Lucas of Julius M. Feinblum Real Estate represented Ashley. The REIT noted that West Branch Commons, which sits at the crossroads of the Garden State Parkway, Route 22 and Morris Avenue, is now 98.7 percent leased.
“We are looking forward to serving the Union County community with America’s No. 1 name in furniture and mattresses, and to give residents the ability to shop closer to home for years to come,” said Justin Chrinian, chief revenue officer for Ashley Furniture.
