National fitness chain Planet Fitness is set to relocate and significantly expand its presence in the Monmouth County market after leasing a massive 27,000-square-foot space at Aldrich Plaza in Howell. The new club will introduce a state-of-the-art facility and the brand’s signature “Judgement Free Zone” environment to the prominent Route 9 shopping center.
The transaction, which marks a major upgrade to the local fitness landscape, comes amid sustained strength in the wellness sector, with national visits to fitness centers exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Levin Management Corporation (LMC), which serves as the leasing and managing agent for the 132,000-square-foot Aldrich Plaza, arranged the deal. LMC Senior Leasing Representative E.J. Moawad completed the transaction on behalf of the landlord, while Joseph Dougherty of Metro Commercial represented Planet Fitness.
“Health and wellness concepts continue to perform exceptionally well across our portfolio,” Moawad said. “Planet Fitness is a premier national brand that drives consistent daily traffic and aligns perfectly with Aldrich Plaza’s position as a high-visibility, daily-needs destination along Route 9. This expansion underscores both strong local demand and Howell’s growing appeal as a fitness and lifestyle hub.”
This is the third Planet Fitness lease completed within LMC’s portfolio in 2025, joining new locations in Watchung and Middlesex.
The new, expanded club will anchor a diverse mix of national, regional, and local tenants at Aldrich Plaza, including Walgreens, Dollar Tree, Salon Centric, and Norman’s Hallmark. With approximately 40,000 vehicles passing the property daily and serving over 150,000 residents in a five-mile radius, the center attracts roughly 1.5 million visits per year.
The commitment from Planet Fitness, recently named to Fortune’s 2025 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list, reinforces the appeal of open-air centers in high-demand corridors. The company plans to open approximately 160–170 new clubs this year, continuing its robust nationwide expansion.
