Bridgewater Commons is undergoing a significant physical and retail transformation. Property owner Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) announced today an investment plan for extensive center improvements set to be completed in the second quarter of 2026, alongside a successful two-year leasing push that has secured over 87,000 square feet of new tenants.
The renovation, which will begin this month with minimal disruption, is designed to modernize the interior and enhance the customer experience, evolving the center for the “next generation of retail, dining and entertainment,” according to Annmarie Plenge, chief creative officer at PRCP.
The centerpiece of the refresh will be a reimagined food court set to be completed in 2026. The plans include a complete overhaul of the dining area with a new color palette, artwork, and interior landscaping. Critically, seating will be reorganized into distinct zones, including a main area and “The Little Lounge,” a new casual space with playful aesthetics specifically designed to cater to children and families.
Aesthetic upgrades will be implemented throughout the mall’s interior, emphasizing a light, bright color scheme and modern art. Shoppers can expect updated lighting fixtures, fresh paint and bannisters, and lush interior landscaping across the center court, department store wings, and mezzanine levels.
“Bridgewater Commons was a pioneering center visually and logistically when it opened in 1988,” Plenge said. “We are now building upon that legacy… while modernizing it for today’s consumers.” PRCP CEO Steve Plenge noted the investment marks the “next step to reimagine this property to better align with consumers’ shopping, dining and entertainment needs.”
The renovation plans follow a highly successful leasing drive by PRCP, which has added a robust mix of national brands, restaurants, and service providers to both the enclosed mall and its open-air component, The Village at Bridgewater Commons.
Highlights of the new tenant roster—totaling over 87,000 square feet of executed leases—include:
- Fashion & Lifestyle: Alo Yoga and Kendra Scott, adding luxury athleisure and jewelry to the mix.
- Specialty Retail: Global lifestyle and novelty brand Miniso, along with collectible toy retailer Pop Mart.
- Dining: Popular restaurant additions like Fogo de Chão, Big Chicken, and Popeyes, alongside casual concepts like Millburn Deli and Pure Green.
- Services: New service providers like Club Champion (golf fitting) and Face Foundrié (beauty bar).
This influx of dynamic tenants, particularly in the competitive athleisure, specialty, and fast-casual dining sectors, is intended to reinforce the center’s position as the dominant retail anchor for Somerset County.
Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench celebrated the news, stating, “Bridgewater Commons is not just a place to shop, it’s at the economic and social core of our town. Their significant investment shows a commitment to thoughtful growth, and I personally can’t wait to bring my family to shop there.”
The comprehensive refresh project, which employs local firms The Martin Architectural Group and Unified Construction Group, solidifies Bridgewater Commons’ future as a premier destination for Central New Jersey, ensuring it remains an economic and social hub for years to come.
