Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has selected Mill Creek Residential as co-developer for the first phase of a plan to transform its Westfield Garden State Plaza property, with plans calling for 550 new luxury apartments, community and sustainability features and upgraded connectivity to public transportation networks that feed the Paramus property. — Courtesy: URW
By Joshua Burd
The owner of Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus has tapped Mill Creek Residential for a plan to build 550 luxury apartments around the mall, as it looks to create a series of public green spaces and a Main Street to help integrate the newest components.
According to Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Mill Creek will serve as co-developer for the first phase of its 30-acre project at the flagship 2.1-million-square-foot property. The mall owner expects the project to break ground in 2024 and open to residents in 2026, bringing new luxury rentals as well as community and sustainability features and upgraded connectivity to the public transportation networks around the site at routes 4 and 17.
JLL’s Matthew Lawton, Jose Cruz and Ryan Robertson represented URW in arranging the joint venture partnership.
“Our bold vision for Westfield Garden State Plaza is about transforming the shopping center into a true town center where the local community can come together to live, shop, work and play,” said Geoff Mason, URW’s executive vice president for U.S. development, design and operating management. “Our partnership with Mill Creek Residential will help bring this vision to life — leveraging their incredible experience and best-in-class approach to create a landmark destination for the community.”
Part of URW’s broader plan to create modern lifestyle destinations at its retail holdings, the project will include a one-acre town green that will connect residents, visitors and shoppers, as will a new Main Street-style, outdoor district with restaurants and everyday conveniences and services, according to a news release. The development will also include new parks and green spaces, green building construction, electric vehicle charging stations and the restoration of a section of the beloved local Sprout Brook.
URW will largely transform the surface parking lots around Garden State Plaza, with plans that also include health and wellness amenities, commercial office space, a transit center and community event spaces.
“We’re extremely excited to be selected as a co-developer at Westfield Garden State Plaza, and we’re eager to get started on the development,” said Russell Tepper, senior managing director of development for Mill Creek Residential. “We look forward to working with URW, the borough of Paramus and Bergen County to help create a truly unique experience for residents and visitors alike. This will be a truly collaborative process and our team is enthusiastic to watch it progress.”
Westfield Garden State Plaza reveals plans for sweeping mixed-use makeover
