LeGrand Coffee House will be the inaugural retail tenant at Prism Capital Partners’ Avenue & Green development. Eric LeGrand, entrepreneur and Woodbridge native, has leased 1,800 square feet to open his first brick-and-mortar store after launching an online shop in January.
Ripco Real Estate’s Curtis Nassau and Deborah Stone brokered the transaction as exclusive retail leasing agents for Avenue & Green’s 12,000-square-foot retail component.
The mixed-use, transit-oriented development is currently under construction at the corner of Rahway Avenue and Green Street next to the Woodbridge train station. In addition to the retail component, the development includes 232 apartments with a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental homes.
“We are excited to welcome Eric and LeGrand Coffee House to Avenue & Green,” said Prism Capital Partners’ Robert Fourniadis, senior vice president, residential. “This property is designed to meet ongoing demand for transit-oriented multifamily, and to provide residents with upscale amenities and in-building conveniences. LeGrand Coffee House will be a perfect fit, offering great refreshments and an inviting gathering place for the entire Woodbridge community.”
Besides serving beverages made from locally roasted coffee, LeGrand Coffee House will offer traditional baked goods, premade sandwiches and salads, and specialty items sourced from area businesses. LeGrand also plans to rent out the space for local events after hours. “I like to say we’re bringing unity to the community with a daily cup of belief,” he said.
Serving the disability community has been an important part of the design process for LeGrand Coffee House. The plan includes a larger space behind the bar to accommodate wheelchair-bound staff, as well as accessible seating for guests.
“I don’t know of many African-American, former Division 1 football players with a disability running a coffee shop,” said LeGrand. “Being in my situation, I’ve seen and experienced a lot, and we want to make this a welcoming place for everyone.”
LeGrand, a former Rutgers University football player who sustained a life-altering spinal cord injury in 2010, noticed the construction taking place at the redevelopment site last summer.
“I lived in a two-family house on Green Street until I was four years old,” said LeGrand. “I thought, why not have my own coffee shop on the street where I was born?”
The Avenue & Green residential leasing office is expected to open in July with the entire project expected to be ready for full occupancy this summer.
The five-acre Avenue & Green site was purchased in 2019 by Prism Capital Partners in a joint venture partnership with The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and Lucas Family Enterprises, the prior owners of the property.
Prism Capital Partners is a commercial real estate owner/operator based in Nutley, New Jersey.
