A once-thriving but now obsolete mall has officially kicked off its transformation into a mixed-use community with residences as Kushner has begun construction on their Monmouth Square project.
The company officially broke ground May 9th on the $500 million endeavor, which will rise at the site of the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown. Kushner’s latest endeavor begins with the demolition of approximately 600,000 square feet of existing retail space at the site, including the former Lord & Taylor and JCPenney outposts.
Monmouth Square will convert the facility into a modern, open-air town center with 900,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space that will be anchored by 1,000 residential units, a Whole Foods grocer, an expansive public green, a network of pedestrian pathways, and medical office space.
“This notable project will serve as a model for transforming underused malls into vibrant, community centers that cater to residents’ lifestyle needs,” said Laurent Morali, CEO of Kushner. “We are turning the traditional mall concept inside out, creating free-standing, easily accessible retail and dining spaces seamlessly integrated with a public green and new luxury apartments.”
Located at 180 Route 35, Monmouth Square has been designed by Minno + Wasko Architects and Planners along with retail architects from Benoy and the Dietz Partnership. A portion of the 1,000 residences will fall under Kushner’s newly launched Livana brand, which is designed to meet demand for sophisticated rental options and an aspirational lifestyle.
Amenities at the future residences include a 40,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, spa/wellness space, juice bar/café, coworking lounge, media room, library, pickleball court, half basketball court, golf simulator, children’s room, pet spa and more.
In terms of the retail offerings, the future Whole Foods Market is slated to move into space currently occupied by Barnes & Noble after that store relocates to a new retail building in the town center. Existing AMC movie theaters, Macy’s, and Boscov’s will remain open during construction.
The Monmouth Square groundbreaking continues Kushner’s active year of development in Monmouth County. The developer broke ground last month on a mixed-use 299-unit development in Long Branch that will deliver a SuperFresh grocery market and a neighborhood café to a vacant stretch of downtown.
Kushner will also break ground soon on a new residential development in Colts Neck slated to feature 15 three-story buildings with 360 residences and upscale amenities.
