URW names developer to build luxury apartments at Garden State Plaza

One of the highest-grossing malls in the nation is about to become a neighborhood.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has named Mill Creek Residential as its co-developer in the construction of 550 luxury apartments that will represent the first phase of what it calls a “landmark transformation” of Garden State Plaza in Paramus, N.J.

 The development will be integrated with the more than 2 million sq. ft. of retail by a one-acre “town green” and will include a “main street” district with tenants providing food and beverage and everyday conveniences and services. It is expected to open 2026.

“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, the executive VP of development, design, and operating management for URW. “Our partnership with Mill Creek Residential will help bring this vision to life.”

Long considered the prime retail center in Paramus—which also houses the Paramus Park and Bergen Town Center malls—Garden State Plaza is the second largest mall in New Jersey and perhaps its most profitable. A national mall study done by CNBC in 2018 named it No. 9 in financial performance with sales per sq. ft. of $950.

Boca-Raton, Florida-based Mill Creek Residential is a leading national developer of multifamily housing. Its 117 projects contain more than 30,000 residences in major markets that include Seattle, Dallas, Orlando, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Boston.

“We’re eager to get started on the development,” said Russel Tepper, Mill Creek’s senior managing director of development. “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.”

Garden State Plaza is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and AMC Theatres. Key dining and entertainment tenants include Eddie V’s, Season’s 52, Pinstripes, and Nerf Action Xperience, and more.