A new era for one of the nation’s most iconic shopping destinations officially began Wednesday as Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) and Mill Creek Residential (MCR) broke ground on the first phase of the massive mixed-use redevelopment of Westfield Garden State Plaza.
Joined by city and state officials, the developers unveiled a vision that will transform 13 acres of the site into a vibrant, walkable “town center” for Paramus, featuring luxury residential apartments, a one-acre town square, and a main-street-style retail district.
The first phase of the project focuses on densification and sustainability, aiming to create a destination where residents can live, work, and play without total reliance on automobiles.
Phase 1 Highlights:
- Residential: 575 luxury apartment homes across two five-story midrise buildings, branded as Modera at Garden State Plaza.
- Public Green Space: A central town green, named Sprout Green, designed to serve as a community hub for concerts, festivals, and seasonal events.
- Retail Expansion: Approximately 50,000 square feet of ground-floor boutique shops and restaurants.
- Sustainability: Renewable energy integration, natural building materials, and a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
“With shovels in the ground, we are beginning an exciting journey to create a new town center for Paramus,” Stephen Fluhr, senior vice president of development for URW said. “This next chapter blends the spirit of the center with a community-driven vision for the future.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony, developers unveiled new street names for the mixed-use district, paying homage to the site’s history as a retail pioneer since the 1950s.
- Bambergers Lane: Named after the cornerstone department store that helped establish the mall’s early success.
- Marquee Lane: A tribute to the drive-in movie theater that once occupied the site.
- Sprout Green & Sprout Crescent: Named after Sprout Brook, the stream that has historically shaped the landscape of the area.
- Plaza Passage: A symbolic corridor connecting the existing iconic mall to the new residential neighborhood.
While the initial phase focuses on residential and park space, URW is already looking toward the future. Subsequent phases of the multi-year transformation are expected to include medical offices, a hotel, senior living facilities, and significant upgrades to public transportation networks.
Doug Arsham, executive managing director of Development for Mill Creek Residential, emphasized the impact on the local community: “We’re committed to delivering an all-encompassing living experience that becomes the heart of the Paramus community for generations to come.”
Initial work on the site will consist of ground and site preparation. Once complete, the new community will be seamlessly connected to the main shopping center via a dedicated pedestrian walkway on the west face of the mall, ensuring that the legendary retail experience remains at the core of the new downtown district.
