Garden State Plaza To Be 'Reimagined' Into Mixed-Use Site: Developers

PARAMUS, NJ — As part of a multi-faceted, mixed-use approach to real estate, Westfield Garden State Plaza developers are launching the first phase of a project to transform the Paramus mall into a lifestyle center, where the community can live, work, play, eat and shop.

Real estate company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is partnering with Mill Creek Residential to reimagine the shopping destination and bring the 30-acre, mixed-use vision to life, Geoff Mason, URW's executive vice president of development, design and operating management, said.

For the first phase of the project, Mill Creek will construct 550 luxury apartment homes that will integrate with the shopping center via a one-acre "town green" for residents, visitors and shoppers. The project, when completed, will also include a "main street" outdoor district featuring restaurants, and everyday conveniences and services.

Anticipated to break ground in 2024 and slated to open to residents in 2026, the mixed-use development will create a hub that includes residential and green space. Developers will convert parking areas to the west of the mall into apartment homes, plazas, parks, gardens, office space and health and wellness amenities, as well as a transit center.

The development will also include green building, electric vehicle charging stations and restoration of a section of Sprout Brook.

“We look forward to working with URW to help create a truly unique experience for residents and visitors alike," Russell Tepper, senior managing director of development for Mill Creek, said. "This will be a truly collaborative process and our team is enthusiastic to watch it progress.”