More than a decade ago, New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill, Devco President Chris Paladino and city Parking Authority Executive Director Mitch Karon got together to discuss what was then known as the Ferren Deck.
Located just across the street from the New Brunswick train station, the Ferren Deck was an old-school parking facility and some uninspiring retail offerings. It mainly served as a holding spot for travelers — on their way out of town.
It was an eyesore. And an opportunity.
“We recognized at that time that the redevelopment of this site was a massive undertaking, but certainly one worth pursuing,” Cahill said. “We were no longer content to catch people merely on their way to other destinations. New Brunswick had become the destination.”
Innovation awaits
Why leaders of Nokia Bell Labs feel new headquarters at the HELIX will bring new wave of innovation.
The city closed the deck, then demolished it, even without a future tenant lined up. Cahill said they wanted to clear the way for a potential project that “could be and should be” something greater.
Those actions proved prophetic.
Using patience and persistence, a push from a new governor and financial support from the N.J. Economic Development Authority, the site has been transformed into the HELIX, a three-building innovation district that will ensure New Jersey will remain at the forefront of scientific research and discovery — and that New Brunswick and Middlesex County will be the anchor of it all.
That vision took another big step forward Thursday morning during a ceremonial ground-breaking for H2, which will serve as the global home of Nokia Bell Labs when it opens in 2028.
“Nokia’s relocation to New Brunswick brings 1,000 employees to our city, showcasing new talent, new energy and new investment,” Cahill said. “It further cements New Jersey, Middlesex County and New Brunswick as a nexus of innovation, bringing together universities, research, health care and now global R&D excellence.
“Businesses, startups and educational partners will benefit from proximity to world-class research and collaboration opportunities, and this move will generate significant economic impact, jobs, innovation, partnerships and community growth and further energize our city and regional ecosystem.
“The milestone is the culmination of the efforts of people committed to a common vision – and exemplifies the collaboration and partnerships New Brunswick is known for.”
County Commissioner Director Ron Rios couldn’t agree more.
The county’s economic development prowess continually outpaces the rest of the state, whether it’s a different eds and meds research project (see Morris Cancer Center), the numerous facilities that are being built/upgraded during the county’s $500 million Community, Innovation and Opportunity project — or the numerous projects taken on by DEVCO.
Rios said the vision of the HELIX — announced by Gov. Phil Murphy just months into the job — matches what he and the other commissioners have been able implementing for years.
“We’ve backed this vision with bold investments in infrastructure, education and workforce development that make shared success possible, sending a clear message: Middlesex County is ready for the future,” he said.
“From the modernization of the New Brunswick train station to our commitment as a core partner in the helix, Middlesex County is creating the environment for growth and innovation.”
Rios said it all starts with education.
“A vital part of that environment is talent,” he said. “Our educational partners, Rutgers, University, Middlesex County, Middlesex County College magnet schools and other high schools throughout the county are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
“It is the same forward-looking vision which led us to work with partners to expand our county’s commitment to nurturing growing artificial intelligence industry.
Next Up: H3
The groundbreaking for the third building of the HELX — a 500-foot tall, 565,000-square feet of office, lab, retail and housing facility — could come as early as next spring. 
“From pioneering a first of its kind, AI curriculum in our magnet schools to ensuring AI literacy across our college programs, we are positioning our community and workforce at the forefront of tomorrow’s industries, cultivating the next generation of AI leaders and innovators.”
Of course, when those three leaders met way back when, AI wasn’t part of anyone’s vocabulary. And no one envisioned a globally renown institution like Nokia Bell Labs moving into town.
Then again, nothing is built in a day. Cahill, who has used his vision to oversee a total transformation of the city since taking office in 1990, knows that as well as anyone.
“This groundbreaking isn’t just the start of a building — it’s the culmination of patience, vision and persistence,” he said. “From casual conversations some 10 years ago, we persisted, and now that persistence pays off, embedding a world-class innovation leader in our city.
“Patience is a good thing, but persistence is even better, because through persistence, a vision has been turned into opportunity and opportunity into a legacy that will serve generations to come.
“Today, we may be breaking ground for a new building, but we are also breaking ground on building a future. So, here’s to the next chapter of innovation in New Brunswick, Middlesex County and New Jersey and beyond.”
