One of the anchors of the Morristown business community will be undergoing a sprawling renovation that will better link the complex, add new amenities, and convert several former offices into new restaurant spaces.
The Olnick Organization and Fisher Development Associates have formally unveiled their plans for Headquarters Plaza, a one million square foot mixed-use complex. The redesign was drawn up by esteemed architecture firm Gensler and will rebrand the property HQ Plaza while spawning a slew of upgrades.
HQ Plaza currently includes a total of 650,000 square feet of Class A office space, 100,000 square feet of retail, the 256-room Hyatt Regency Morristown, a 40,000-square-foot Crunch Fitness, a 10-screen AMC theater, plus a 3,000-space parking garage. The revamp will completely overhaul the main concourse that connects the complex.
This open-concept area will facilitate access from east to west — from the office towers to the Hyatt — and will activate various lounge areas, dining and workspaces throughout the main corridor.
“The transformation of HQ Plaza offers an exciting new elevated experience for both office tenants and guests who visit the concourse each day,” said Rene Cruz, Project Director at Gensler. “Infused with daylight and biophilia, the space will become a destination with a host of amenities and offerings that can support a variety of events and space for collaboration.”
The pending renovation has helped HQ Plaza already ink leases with three new restaurant concepts. A Sushi Lounge outpost will be situated at 3 Speedwell Avenue, while a new concept called Parkside Tavern will call a former office space on the ground floor home.
The third eatery, called Masseria by Joe Cetrulo, will be an Italian Steakhouse from the ownership behind Stella Marina and Cubacan in Asbury Park.
These eateries will essentially create a new ‘restaurant row’ along Speedwell Avenue and will join 1776 By David Burke in the complex.
“This iconic complex has long been a hub of professional activity, offering the Morristown community a range of expansive amenities,” said Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty in a statement after the unveiling.
“Contributing to the vibrancy of downtown, the new HQ Plaza will establish a revitalized epicenter for business, retail and dining on the Green, while also driving activity for the existing shops and restaurants along Speedwell Avenue,” he added.
HQ Plaza also boasts a recently renovated outdoor plaza that is open to the public and spans 50,000 square feet. The owners of the complex say that the renovations have already led to increased interest in the property, as Cushman & Wakefield have signed 14 new leases for office space totaling approximately 100,000 square feet in the past year.
A timeline for when the renovations will be completed at HQ Plaza has not been announced. The project is one of two major office developments underway in Morristown, with the other being M Station from SJP Properties.
