Mixed-use redevelopment project underway at Westfield Garden State Plaza
Big changes are underway at a New Jersey super-regional mall.
Mall owner and operator Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) and its co-developer, Mill Creek Residential (MCR), have broken ground on the first phase of the mixed-use “redensification” of Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, N.J., which will include a one-acre town square park, green space and 575 luxury apartment homes.
At the heart of the 13‑acre Phase 1 development is a central town green that will serve as a community hub, offering residents a walkable town center. Upon completion, Phase 1 will also include a main street-style outdoor district featuring restaurants, everyday conveniences, and essential services, according to URW.
Initial work during the phase consists mostly of ground and site preparation followed by construction of Modera at Garden State Plaza – two mixed-use, five-story midrise buildings containing a combined 575 residential units and approximately 50,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.
“With shovels in the ground, we are beginning an exciting journey to create a new town center for Paramus at Westfield Garden State Plaza – a vibrant, one‑of‑a‑kind sustainability-oriented mixed-use destination for the community to live, work, shop and play,” said Stephen Fluhr, senior VP of development for URW. “Since its origins as a retail pioneer in the 1950s, Westfield Garden State Plaza has continually evolved alongside the Paramus community. This next chapter builds on that legacy, blending the spirit of the center with a community‑driven vision for the future.”
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(Rendering courtesy of URW) -
(Rendering courtesy of URW) -
(Rendering courtesy of URW)
The redevelopment is designed to reduce the property’s carbon footprint, promote sustainable practices, and minimize waste by incorporating renewable energy, natural materials, and increasing access to public transportation, retail, and entertainment. In the first phase, URW says the project will offer electric vehicle charging stations, while adding upgrades to public transportation networks in the future.
[READ MORE: Ground breaks on Lakeforest Regional Mall redevelopment project]
URW says the Garden State Plaza transformation is part of its broader strategy to create vibrant retail-anchored destinations in the “world’s best cities and urban areas.”
Spanning more than 2 million square feet, Garden State Plaza first opened in 1957. The mall is anchored by Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
“Westfield Garden State Plaza has long been one of the most iconic destinations in the Northeast, and we're incredibly proud to help shape its next chapter,” said Doug Arsham, executive managing director of development in the East for MCR. “This community represents everything Mill Creek does best, bringing thoughtfully designed homes to a location where residents can live, dine, shop and connect. We're committed to delivering an all-encompassing living experience that becomes the heart of the Paramus community for generations to come.”
URW’s portfolio includes 66 shopping centers in the United States and Europe.
