The evolution of the former Connell Corporate Park into a premier New Jersey lifestyle destination reached a significant milestone. The Connell Company on Tuesday announced six new retail and wellness tenants for The District at The Park, signaling strong momentum for the $500 million redevelopment project ahead of its July 2026 debut.
The 185-acre mixed-use campus is transitioning from a traditional office hub into a “work-live-play” ecosystem. The latest additions bring the total leased space in the 60-acre “District” area to over 37,000 square feet, anchored by a walkable Main Street designed to bridge the gap between suburban convenience and urban energy.
The new roster reflects a strategic focus on wellness, family-friendly dining, and high-end lifestyle brands:
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Athletic Apparel: Greatness Wins, the performance brand founded by Chris Riccobono, Derek Jeter and Misty Copeland, will open its first flagship location on District Drive.
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Dining & Social: The lineup includes Four Spoons Ice Cream Company, Mediterranean street-food concept Doner Shack and Cafe Exchange—a two-story social hub featuring a coffee house, bookstore, and evening wine bar.
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Wellness & Lifestyle: Prime IV Hydration & Wellness will offer vitamin infusion therapies, while Dogtopia will provide upscale pet boarding and spa services.
“The mix of wellness, dining, and lifestyle brands reflects the momentum behind what we’re building,” Shane Connell, executive vice president at The Connell Company said. “Each one brings something fresh, energetic, and inviting to the neighborhood.”
The Park’s transformation is a massive undertaking aimed at creating a self-sustaining “destination neighborhood.” Once completed, the campus will integrate:
- 1.5 million square feet of office space (currently 97% occupied).
- 328 luxury apartments and a 176-room Embassy Suites Hotel.
- 170,000 square feet of total retail and entertainment space.
Larry Weinstein, principal at Capricorn Retail Advisors, noted that the project is generating significant interest from retailers looking for “one-of-a-kind” environments that offer built-in foot traffic from both residents and office tenants.
While the first wave of shops opens this July, a second phase of entertainment-focused venues is slated for Fall 2026. This will include Emberside Brewery, the Mexican-inspired Rosa Azul and BASH—a massive “speakeasy” complex featuring a wood-fired steakhouse and New Jersey’s first duckpin bowling lanes.
These new offerings will join established campus anchors, including a 112,000-square-foot Life Time Fitness and the Round Table Studios co-working club, cementing The Park’s status as a regional heavyweight in the New Jersey real estate market.
