‘Topping Off’ Tuesday, September 16: Union Ironworkers, Senate President Set Final Piece of Steel Atop Downtown Glassboro’s 220 Rowan Boulevard
GLASSBORO – As the steel framework on 220 Rowan Boulevard nears completion in downtown Glassboro, Iron Workers and other union contractors on site celebrated a Topping Off ceremony yesterday along with project partners at the Borough of Glassboro, Nexus Properties and Rowan University.
The event included a ceremonial placement of the last piece of steel atop the six-story structure, an i-beam that was signed by workers, elected officials and guests. Senate President Steve Sweeney and Glassboro Administrator Joseph A. Brigandi, Jr. led the ceremony with union Ironworkers from Berlin Steel. They were joined by Glassboro Mayor Dr. Leo McCabe, Councilman George Cossabone, Senators Donald Norcross and Fred Madden, Freeholder Heather Simmons, Rowan University President Dr. Ali Houshmand, Nexus Properties and Inspira Heath System.
220 Rowan Boulevard has been approved for up to $22 million in tax incentives over ten years through the NJ Economic Development Authority’s Grow New Jersey program. The award is part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 2013, which provides development and job creation incentives in South Jersey. This project is creating 400 construction jobs and will net 100 new permanent jobs.
Rowan Boulevard’s third mixed-use building is across the street from the Barnes & Noble Superstore on the west side of Rowan Boulevard. At 316,500 sf, the complex will include first-floor retail, medical offices and luxury residential apartments and is projected for completion in July, 2015.
Nexus Properties of Lawrenceville, NJ was awarded the contract for development and design of the building. Nexus also built the Enterprise Center mixed-use academic and retail building as well as a new parking garage, both located on Rowan Boulevard.
At six total stories, 220 Rowan Boulevard will include 20,000 sf of first-floor retail, targeting full-service restaurants. On the Victoria Street side the building will be 27,000 sf of medical services, including urgent, primary, specialty and orthopedic care in a joint agreement with Inspira and Cooper.
“High quality, conveniently located medical facilities are a much needed addition to downtown Glassboro,” said Mayor McCabe. “It is an important component of redevelopment as these services bring good jobs and build density to serve our businesses and restaurants.”
Also in the structure will be 59 luxury apartments, including 50 two-bedroom units and nine one-bedroom units. With separate entrances there will also be 119 student apartments for housing of 456 students. Parking for the new building will include 179 spaces.
Downtown Glassboro’s Rowan Boulevard continues to be New Jersey’s largest municipal redevelopment project. The $300 million initiative is a public-private partnership among Glassboro, Rowan University and private developers. All structures on the Boulevard are privately owned and therefore generate property tax ratables. Rowan Boulevard is expected to attract 60 new retail stores, including a dozen restaurants, boosting the local economy by more than $48 million annually.