2014 NJBIA Good Neighbor Award Winner

The New Jersey Business & Industry Association has named 225 Rowan Boulevard a 2014 Good Neighbor. The award recognizes the best and most exciting development projects in the state of New Jersey. Selection criteria are based on economic benefit and job creation, architectural merit and community involvement.

225 Rowan Boulevard is a five-story, mixed-use building that houses Rowan University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Education, retail space and parking garage. The facility is part of the Rowan Boulevard Revitalization Project developed through a public-private partnership between the Borough of Glassboro, Rowan University and private developer, Nexus Properties. The project provided employment for 300+ construction workers and will house approximately 70 full/part-time employees.

Andrea Sussman Receives the Meta A. Griffith Service Award

Andrea Receives the Meta A. Griffith Service AwardMay 9, 2008 – the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) congratulated Andrea Sussman on her recognition at the YWCA of Trenton’s annual gala as a recipient of the Meta A. Griffith Service Award.  The award reflects both her professional and personal commitment to improving her community and is a well-deserved honor for the outstanding work she has done with Nexus Properties and the many hours she has volunteered to service organizations in her community.

The Meta A. Griffith Community Service Award is given for outstanding volunteer service in honor of Meta A. Griffith, a remarkable woman who has long served the Trenton community as a successful businesswoman, community leader and dedicated volunteer.  Mrs. Griffith, in her quiet way, has incorporated volunteer service as a necessity, not an option, in her life.  She has been a steadfast friend to the YWCA and many other area organizations, generously and unselfishly sharing her time, talent and resources.

220 Rowan Boulevard Featured in Construction Today

220 Rowan Blvd. was recently featured in Construction Today. The article goes into detail about the project timeline and the contractors involved. Below is an excerpt”

“This building is one component of a $300 million redevelopment project linking the university with Glassboro’s downtown retail district. The borough, university and developers are creating a quintessential college town that promotes smart-growth living with mixed-use buildings”

With the students of Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., in need of more housing, Nexus Properties is working around the clock to finish the 220 Rowan Boulevard project in less than 15 months.

Enrollment is soaring at the public university, increasing from 9,000 students to 15,000 in the past seven years.

The new six-floor, 316,500-square-foot building includes student housing, market-rate apartments, retail space and medical facilities.

There will be 119 student apartments housing 456 students. Of these, 109 will be four-bedroom units and 10 will be two-bedroom units.

In addition, the building is to feature 57 luxury market-rate apartments consisting of 48 two-bedroom and nine one-bedroom units. There will be separate entrances for the market-rate residents and students. The market-rate apartments will house graduate students, university staff and residents of the community at large.

“The university has a dire need for housing,” says Joe Kline, senior project manager. “This is a unique project. We will build, own and operate the building.”

The building is not located on university land but is only a half-block from campus. Nexus Properties also built and operates a 60,000-square-foot building across the street. “We are working very closely with university officials,” Kline explains. “We’ve met with the university president and those in the student housing and facilities departments about what their needs are and how we can help.” More than 600 students seeking on-campus housing were wait-listed for the 2014-2015 academic year at Rowan University.

Upon completion, 220 Rowan Boulevard will be the largest building in Glassboro, including the university.

“It is a gorgeous building,” Kline says. “The mass of it will be eye-catching. It is a very big building.”

Cooper University Hospital and Inspira Health Network will occupy radiology and orthopedic spaces on the lower levels.

This is the largest project in Nexus Properties’ history, notes Kline, who has been with the company for 22 years.

Groundbreaking occurred in April and the project is slated for completion in August 2015. This is a hard deadline for the construction team because the units must be available for student housing at the start of the fall 2015 semester.

In addition, New Jersey economic development funding for the project will be lost if the project is not completed on time. To prevent that, “we are watching the schedule hourly,” Kline says.

Starting in January, work will proceed with two shifts. Workmen will be assigned to teams on the job from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and others will be on the clock from 3:30 p.m. to midnight.

There are currently about 250 tradesmen working onsite. At peak construction, there will be 350.

The project is divided into three sequences. The first sequence of steel and plant interior framing, rough plumbing and electric work was completed in late September. By November, the overall project was 40 percent completed. The building will be closed-in by mid-January. This will allow work to proceed indoors so crews won’t be outside in the winter.

Proper organization is key to meeting the deadline.

“Coordinating all the trades and getting materials and manpower coordinated correctly is necessary so we can build this in 15 months,” Kline says. “It is a large building and a lot of work.”

Nexus Properties’ office staff has been working 10-hour days to ensure all material arrives on time and the project is moving along, he says. This includes organizing the logistics of trash removal, loading, lifting and “all the typical stuff of midrise construction,” Kline says.

The project is complicated further by the shape of the building, which is 600 feet long. The building is structural steel, concrete and metal stub wall panel with bricks and EIFS finishes.

Excellent Superintendents

To further avoid delays, subcontractors were selected carefully to ensure they have the capacity to staff the project. “Every contractor is highly qualified,” Kline says. “It is not just the lowest bidder. We have a highly qualified workforce.”

Each of the major trades such as mechanical, plumbing, carpentry and HVAC has in excess of 30 men on the job along with experienced foremen. “We have excellent foremen and meet with them on a regular basis to find out what Nexus can do for them,” Kline says. Designed by Philadelphia based Blackney Hayes Architects and O’Donnell and Naccarato Structural Engineers, the structure is one of the largest buildings to utilize the Girder-Slab System. Faced with its aggressive construction schedule, the system has provided Nexus Properties an accelerated start to the project. Competitively bid by five structural steel fabricators, the  superstructure was awarded to the Berlin Steel Construction Company of Malvern, Pa., to supply and erect both the structural steel and precast hollow core slabs manufactured by Boccella Precast of Berlin, N.J.

New College Town

This building is one component of a $300 million redevelopment project linking the university with Glassboro’s downtown retail district. The borough, university and developers are creating a quintessential college town that promotes smart-growth living with mixed-use buildings,” Rowan University says. Plans call for the construction of a one-third-mile-long corridor linking the main Glassboro campus with the downtown. Upon completion, the corridor will be lined with shops and restaurants at street level and housing and offices above. Key anchors are the apartment complex, a Barnes & Noble college bookstore and a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and conference center.

Downtown Glassboro Scores Two New Businesses…

Downtown Glassboro scores two new businesses with a new restaurant experience and live-action adventure!  Joining the ranks of thriving businesses on Rowan Boulevard in Downtown Glassboro, New Jersey are two highly anticipated newcomers; The Mexican Mariachi Grill and Escape Room South Jersey.

George Cossabone, Sr. Glassboro Council President said “We are very excited to add these two, already successful business’ to our portfolio in Downtown Glassboro.  As Glassboro’s food, entertainment, shopping, and art scene is propelling the Downtown into the epicenter of South Jersey cool, amazing new places are opening monthly.”

Ricardo Ramos and his wife Viridiana, joined by Ricardo’s parents Ricardo Sr. and Eugenia, are the owners of the Mexican Mariachi Grill’s three current locations in Ewing, Hamilton Twp., and on the TCNJ Campus, and are well-seasoned entrepreneurs currently serving thousands of Mexican dishes every day using only fresh, quality ingredients, with an emphasis on authenticity.  With a family legacy of traditional Mexican cooking dating back several generations, together they bring not only their large and delightful variety of Mexican fare but their incredibly inviting personalities as well.  When you step into any location, you’re stepping into an extension of their home and they will do their very best to make you feel welcome.

Ricardo Ramos, Sr., is excited to build their fourth restaurant in Downtown Glassboro at 206 Rowan Boulevard, slated to open in summer of 2017, which will be the restauranteur’s largest at 3,200 sq. ft. and will include their first full bar which will serve up a refreshing assortment of Mexican cocktails and quality cervezas which will add another unique layer to their already amazing foods flavor profiles.

Ed Malandro, Glassboro Councilman, said “We have been anticipating these two new businesses and will facilitate them every step to opening day, and beyond.  Glassboro’s newest retail experience offerings are joining the culmination of the years of redevelopment and strategic planning to attract just the right mix of experiences in our retail offerings.  We are delivering on our promise to make Glassboro a destination for families for generations to come.”

After finishing an amazing meal, you never want the night to end, so why not add to the experience at Escape Room South Jersey, a 2700 sq. ft. place of mind challenging, fast-paced fun challenges designed to tempt even the most prolific puzzle solver and crime-drama addict.  You are placed inside a room and have 60 minutes to solve the task at hand using the clues and puzzles hidden throughout.  It’s a hectic, fun and challenging dash as you and up to nine other players work furiously to complete your objective before the time runs out.

This is the second location for the fast-growing business from Collingswood and will offer even more cerebral challenges than their first location.  Glassboro is primed for experiences like Escape Room South Jersey, that change the perception of what a night out on the town can be.

Derek Lindeman, one the Escape Room South Jersey’s partners along with fellow Rowan alumni, Anne Lindeman, Chris Borzell, Jake Matthews, and Jesse Hall said “We are beyond thrilled to bring our second Escape Room South Jersey to Downtown Glassboro.  With 4 brand new immersive rooms, our attraction on Rowan Blvd. is sure to entertain students, corporate parties and anyone looking to test their brain power with their friends and family.  As Rowan alumni we are so impressed with how far Glassboro has progressed in the 10 years since our graduation and we aim to be part of the great things that are to come in the very near future.”

These businesses are inside of over 200,000 sq. ft. of Downtown nirvana, a walkable downtown experience unlike any other with state-of-the-art new construction everywhere you look connected with a newly opened 1.75 acre Town Square which includes a Great Lawn, Stage Terrace, a Paver Plaza, an interactive Spray Fountain, two Pavilions, and a Sculpture Garden Arts Display.

These two retail experiences will join the ranks of already successful retail establishments that include Chickie’s & Pete’s, Barnes & Noble, Tony Luke’s, Courtyard Marriot Hotel, Rowan Fitness Center, Boulevard Salon, Domino’s Pizza, Forever Young Emporium, Fitness Fuels, HFM Investment Advisors, Lush Nail & Spa, Pizza Hut, Prime Burgers, Ry’s Bagels, Treasures on Broadway, South Jersey Federal Credit Union, and 7-Eleven.

Reposted from: http://www.glassboro.org/press-releases/

Glassboro is Proud to Announce the Opening of it’s New Town Square! …

Glassboro is proud to announce the opening of it’s new Town Square!  “This Town Square represents a unique approach to Glassboro’s Future, not just in design but in the overall Glassboro Experience.  This is the future standard in suburban public green spaces and will enhance the quality of life in South Jersey.”

“No other Town Square comes close to this one, it is truly a model for South Jersey!”

Ground work for Phase 1 of this project began mid-May 2016 and will be concluded when this ribbon is cut.  The two million dollar project was funded, in part by a $850,000 grant from the NJDEP Green Acres Fund and a partnership with Nexus Properties.

  • Engineering services were provided by Sickles & Associates, Inc.
  • Site Development provided by Land Dimensions
  • Architectural services provided by Clarke Caton Hintz Architecture.

Features of this amazing 1.75 acre park include:

  • A Great Lawn
  • A Paver Plaza
  • Sculpture Garden Arts Display
  • Dozens of different types of trees such as: River Birch, Honey Locust, London Plane Tree, Zelkova
  • As well as shrubs: Hydrangea, Viburnum, Japanese Holly

The Crowning Jewel is Glassboro’s New Veteran’s Memorial Plaza which is our proud tribute to America’s Veteran’s.

“Without heroes, we are all plain people and don’t know how far we can go.” – Bernard Malamud

Phase 2 will include:

  • Stage Terrace
  • An interactive Spray Fountain
  • Two Pavilions

The Town Square’s essential feature is open space, and it’s essential function is sociability.

“Formally a series of underutilized buildings, evolving into a beautifully programmed 1.75 acre park space.  This hub will be animated with patios and retail uses spilling into the public space, as well as daily, weekly, seasonal and annual events, festivities and rituals, creating a vibrant and exciting energy.

The Town Square’s essential feature is open space, and it’s essential function is sociability.  As we watch this area take shape on this beautiful downtown, we can see more vividly how this new downtown will become an agent of change that will make significant contributions to the area’s economy and will help create stability, jobs, and prosperity for all of Glassboro’s residents for generations to come.”

 Reposted from: http://www.glassboro.org/press-releases/

 

 

State backs $170M project in Glassboro

GLASSBORO – The state Economic Development Authority on Tuesday approved tax credits intended to spur construction of six buildings and a parking garage worth more than $170 million in the borough.

The buildings, to be erected in two phases, would essentially complete the $350-million Rowan Boulevard project that links Glassboro’s business district with the campus of Rowan University.

The buildings would rise in an area near High and Poplar streets, the former site of St. Bridget’s Catholic school. Construction would begin in April, with the final buildings to be completed by June 2018, according to the EDA.

“We’re thrilled. It’s really the last major piece of the puzzle,” said Dante Germano, chief operating officer of Nexus Holdings LLC, a Lawrenceville firm that’s developing both phases. He noted the Boulevard project also will include a park, to take shape later this year at High and Main street.

“The borough is constructing a walkable, livable downtown destination,” said Joe Brigandi, Glassboro’s borough administrator. He said the Boulevard project, which began construction in 2008, has created “many jobs, a stronger tax base and a much improved quality of life.”

Each of the phases, known as A3 and A4, will support about 420 construction jobs and 110 permanent positions, the EDA said.

The authority said the tax breaks, representing about 30 percent of total costs, are needed “for the viability of the project and to encourage (Nexus) to undertake the capital investment.”

Germano described the tax breaks as “critical,” but noted Rowan University’s growth also has been a key factor in the Boulevard’s development. The school has added 6,000 students over the past five years, providing residents for the new buildings and patrons for their shops and businesses.

Germano said “spillover development” will occur in areas farther from campus as shops and restaurants draw more out-of-town patrons.

COURIER-POST

$50M in tax breaks eyed for Glassboro plan

“The retail is key to the community. They’re going to create a great anchor for future growth.”
Rowan spokesman Joe Cardona called the 26-acre Boulevard project “a model for town/gown relations.”
“There is still much more to be developed along Main and High streets,” he predicted.

The A3 phase will hold three mixed-use buildings and a seven-story, 865-vehicle parking garage, according to the EDA. It received tax credits of up to $30 million to help cover a projected cost of $102.7 million.

The A3 phase will hold about 40,000 square feet of retail space, a fitness center, about 550 student beds and 36 market-rate apartments. It also will house 15 classrooms and a student lounge area, the EDA said.

The A4 phase is expected to hold a pair of six-story buildings and a four-story structure, with about 20,400 square feet of retail space, 577 student beds and 30 market-rate apartments. It qualified for tax credits of up to $21 million, based on a total cost of  $71.7 million.

Construction of the A3 phase is expected to begin in April 2016 for completion by October 2017. The A4 phase is expected to begin construction in February 2017 for completion by June 2018.

According to the EDA, Nexus will lease the borough-owned ground beneath each phase for 99 years, paying $4.2 million for each in the first year. That money “will go directly to pay down the borough’s debt that was used to acquire the properties,” said Brigandi.

He said lease payments in later years will be “a percentage of what the property taxes would otherwise be.”

Rowan Boulevard has completed four phases since construction began in 2008, with Nexus serving as the sole developer since 2011.

Its first phase holds almost 900 student beds in four buildings and 36,000 square feet of retail space, including a Barnes & Noble bookstore. The second phase, completed in 2012, produced the Whitney Center, a five-story building with student housing and retail space.

Later phases hold a 129-room hotel, a 1,200-car garage and a 52,000-square-foot classroom building for Rowan’s College of Graduate Education

Nexus in August completed the fourth phase, a building that holds apartments, student housing and retail space. The EDA backed tax credits of $22 million for that venture.

Jim Walsh; (856) 486-2646; jwalsh@gannettnj.com

Reposted fromhttp://on.cpsj.com/1TaMCpK

Chickie’s & Pete’s Heads to Rowan University With New Location

Philadelphia-grown Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar can be found in casinos, boardwalks and airports across the country, but its latest location is uncharted territory for the brand: A college town.

The Bensalem, Pa.-based restaurant chain has signed a lease to be the anchor tenant at 220 Rowan Blvd., a $74 million, six-story, 316-000-square-foot building in Glassboro, N.J.

The development – located a short distance from Rowan University’s campus – houses about 550 students and more than 50 apartment residents.

It will be the first time a location will open in a school area, owner and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi said. “There’s a boom there,” he told the Business Journal. “I wasn’t familiar with the city, but when I went there … everybody was so friendly and into Chickie’s & Pete’s and our products. There’s nothing there that said sports and shellfish. There was a void in that area.”

The addition of Chickie’s & Pete’s would help make Glassboro “a destination for sports fans everywhere,” George Cossabone, Glassboro council president, said in a statement.

Compile that with Rowan University, which has seen substantial growth in recent years, and you have the perfect combination, Ciarrocchi said.

The 7,000-square-foot Chickie’s & Pete’s location at 220 Rowan Blvd. will be the company’s 15th standalone restaurant overall and fourth in New Jersey.

Construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2016 with a tentative opening date later this summer.

Chickie’s & Pete’s will join Philadelphia favorite Tony Luke’s, as well as Cooper Health Systems and South Jersey Federal Credit Union, on the ground floor of the development.

220 Rowan Blvd. has about 20,000 square feet of retail space and a 27,000-square-foot urgent care medical facility operated by Inspira, and was developed by Nexus Properties of Lawrenceville, N.J. Chickie’s & Pete’s was founded in 1977 with one location in the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia. The company added craft beer to its offerings about two years ago and raw bars more than a year ago, Ciarrocchi said.

Reposted From: http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2016/01/05/chickies-petes-rowan-unive-glassboro-tony-lukes.html

Chickie’s & Pete’s Coming to Rowan

Hang onto your Phillies hats, sports fans … and crabfries addicts!

Chickie’s and Pete’s is headed back to school.

The sports bar and crab house chain is the latest restaurant to sign on to serve the Rowan University community in Glassboro, part of a growing retail and food scene.

Calling it a game changer for sports fans, Chickie’s and Pete’s will open at 220 Rowan Blvd., the 15th restaurant in the chain. It is the fourth New Jersey location; the others are inside the Tropicana in Atlantic City, in Bordentown and in Little Egg Harbor. The chain also operates crabfries concessions down the shore.

The restaurant will share space on the first level of a six-story, 316,000-square-foot building with Tony Luke’s, Inspira and Cooper Health Systems, and South Jersey Federal Credit Union. Tony Luke’s cheese steak chain has other locations in Deptford, Sicklerville, Wildwood and Atlantic City.

The building, developed by Nexus Properties, houses more than 550 Rowan students and 50 apartment tenants.

“The addition of such a local, iconic sports bar like Chickie’s and Pete’s to Glassboro not only adds excitement and fun to the area, but also helps make our area a destination for sports fans everywhere,” said George Cossabone, Glassboro Council president, in a written statement.

“The decision to open our next location in Glassboro was an easy one,” said Pete Ciarrocchi, CEO of Chickie’s and Pete’s. “The area is thriving and there is a palpable energy here that we just knew we wanted to be a part of.”

“Chickie’s and Pete’s will be a great anchor tenant on Rowan Boulevard, appealing to residents from Glassboro and drawing in patrons from surrounding communities,” said Dante Germano, Nexus Properties COO.

The restaurant, also known for its mussels and lobster pie, is tentatively set to open this summer.

The chain was founded in 1977 by Peter and Henrietta Ciarrocchi in the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia. Its crabfries concession locations can be also be found in  Philly and Camden sports stadiums, concert arenas, as well as boardwalks and amusement parks throughout the area.

Reposted From: http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/entertainment/dining/eat-my-words/2016/01/04/chickies-and-petes-coming-rowan/78276322/

 

Chickie’s & Pete’s Coming to Downtown Glassboro

The Philadelphia-based crab house and sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s will open a new location on Rowan Boulevard in downtown Glassboro this summer.

The chain has signed a lease to open in 220 Rowan Boulevard — a mixed-use, student and residential housing facility with retail on the first floor. Chickie’s and Pete’s will join restaurant chain Tony Luke’s, as well as Inspira and Cooper health systems and other companies also located inside the building.

The 316,000-square foot building houses more than 550 Rowan University students and more than 50 residents.

“The addition of such a local, iconic sports bar like Chickie’s and Pete’s to Glassboro not only adds excitement and fun to the area, but also helps make our area a destination for sports fans everywhere,” said Glassboro Council President George Cossabone in a statement.

Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2016, according to statement from Chickie’s and Pete’s.

“Chickie’s and Pete’s will be a great anchor tenant on Rowan Boulevard, appealing to residents from Glassboro and drawing in patrons from surrounding communities,” said Dante Germano, chief operating officer for Nexus Properties, which developed 220 Rowan Boulevard.

Chickie’s and Pete’s currently has 14 locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Reposted From: http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2016/01/chickies_and_petes_set_to_open_in_downtown_glassbo.html

A Good Investment

As Glassboro continues to undergo one of the state’s largest municipal redevelopments with their $350-million, 26-acre Rowan Boulevard redevelopment project, residents and Rowan University students can expect more changes and additions to their community.

“We have a large economic engine with Rowan being here in Glassboro and expanding into Harrison Township and Mantua on the other side of Route 322 and that provides a lot of economic stimulus and opportunity for people from an education standpoint, from a job stand- point,” says Glassboro Administrator Joseph Brigandi Jr.

NEW BUSINESS Rowan University continues to expand and as it does, well-known businesses are taking notice and finding themselves a spot in the Glassboro community—right on Rowan Boulevard.

On Nov. 9, Inspira Health Network, partnering with Cooper University Health Care, opened the doors to its new $1.9-million, multi-specialty health care center located within 200 Rowan Boulevard across from the Barnes & Noble bookstore.

“We’ve been in this process for three years,” says John DiAngelo, president and CEO of Inspira Health Net- work. “We were talking to the Glassboro folks—Joe Brigandi—trying to find out what they were looking at and we were impressed by the university and the borough leadership were sort of committed to creating a new avenue and mixed-use development.

“As we looked at it, we thought that health care services would be a natural fit because they were also planning residential and re- tail offerings.”

The center was originally planned to have been 10,000 square feet, but considering the needs of the community and students at Rowan, DiAngelo says the number kept expanding and the center is now 27,500 square feet.

Offering primary care, urgent care, orthopedics, physical therapy and medical imaging, the center also includes a new Behavior Wellness Center that is powered by psychiatrists from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

“So far, it has been opened since the 9th [of November] and the first day we had 29 patients walk in the door, which was more than anticipated, and now, we are seeing somewhere in the neighborhood of 50-60 percent are students,” says DiAngelo.

?“We were willing to invest in that plan and in the vision that both Rowan had and the town had,” says DiAngelo. “We think it was a good investment.”

Following the opening of the health care center, the South Jersey Federal Credit Union (SJFCU) celebrated its grand opening of a new branch office at 202 Rowan Boulevard with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 4.

“It was very nice and the place looks great and I think they are go- ing to do well there,” says Brigandi about the ceremony. “Even though they haven’t had a physical location in Glassboro, they have been a great community partner for us for years. They actually come to us every year and say, ‘We want to help get involved in the community, how can we help out, what types of events or activities can we sponsor.’”

The opening marks the SJFCU’s seventh branch of its not-for-profit financial cooperative. “They are a great community partner, so it is a great fit for them to open up one of their branch offices right here in Glassboro,” Brigandi adds.

Another new business opening will be located in the mixed-use building at 220 Rowan Boulevard for Philadelphia’s popular restaurant, Tony Luke’s. Glassboro can expect to be eating cheesesteaks, roast pork and chicken cutlet sandwiches sometime in January. “I think it’s a great thing,” says Brigandi of the future open- ing. “It’s a Philadelphia and South Jersey institution and it will be a nice fit in the community.”

A DEVELOPING CONTRIBUTION Nexus Properties of Lawrenceville’s Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer Dante Germano is happy to contribute to the town where he grew up. Responsible for building the Enterprise Center and the park- ing garage on Rowan Boulevard, Nexus also developed the mixed-use building at 220 Rowan Boulevard.

“I grew up in Glassboro and was a proud graduate of Glassboro High School way back in 1977. My father owned a business next to Angelo’s Diner and several of my uncles owned businesses downtown: Elite Bakery on High Street, the jewelry store on Ellis Street and the barber shop on Main Street,” says Germano. “So, for me, it was very exciting to be a part of the redevelopment of a down- town I spent a lot of time in as a child.”

Germano says the partnership between both the borough and Rowan and their joint visions for a new, vibrant town made Nexus realize they had an opportunity to get involved. “It is rare that you get the opportunity to get involved in such a collaborative project that makes such a significant impact on a community,” he says. “Personally, it has given me great pleasure to come back to the town I grew up in and have such great childhood memories, and contribute to its renaissance.”

IN THE WORKS It may look like Glassboro officials and Rowan have a lot on their plate right now, but in order to draw people and businesses into the area, they are always thinking about what else can be done. “We are currently working on the design of the final two phases of the Rowan Boulevard development and are look- ing to break ground on the next phase in March,” says Germano.

“In addition, we acquired the remaining townhouse lots on Poplar Street, just a block away from Rowan Boulevard this year,” Germano adds. “We are working on some new, exciting designs and should have the town- houses available for sale next summer or fall.”

Nexus is also responsible for redevelop- ing the location of the old Roxy Theater that was torn down in November 2013. “The first floor will be restaurant space and three small theaters, the second floor is part of something the university is looking at for the communications radio/TV/film department, and a couple floors are going to be housing for students,” says Vice President of Marketing & Leasing for Nexus, Ronda Abbruzzese.

The university is also seeing growth at the moment. “Right now we are getting ready for a topping-off ceremony on the 16th [of December] for our College of Business building where we will have a ceremony to install the last girder,” says Vice President of University Relations Joe Cardona. The building will open in December 2016 and the College of Engineering build- ing that is being constructed right now will open in January 2017.

Glassboro Town Square park is also set to start construction in spring 2016. The park will be located in the empty space in the middle of Rowan Boulevard, Main Street and High Street. It will include a new Glassboro Veteran’s Memorial, Arts Garden, a fire pit and stage area. Brigandi says they hope the square will be completed by summer 2016 so Glassboro can hold events and activities then and in the fall.

The borough plans to focus on the exist- ing downtown business district. Brigandi says they are seeing what they can do to help re- vitalize the existing downtown on High Street. “We will put a lot of time and effort into that over the next six months to a year with start- ing to work on a potential project there or is- suing new ones,” says Brigandi.

Brigandi wants people to know that they are still the same Glassboro they were before the redevelopments began. He says, “Even though we have changed a lot and are growing a lot, we are still a relatively small and mid-size town with a home-town feel.”

Reposted From: http://www.southjerseybiz.net/articles/?articleid=1151

One of Philly’s Favorite Cheesesteak Joints Coming to Glassboro

Philadelphia’s popular Tony Luke’s restaurant is coming to Glassboro.

Known for its cheesesteaks, roast pork Italian and chicken cutlet, Tony Luke’s signed a lease last month to open a store inside 220 Rowan Boulevard — a new mixed-use housing complex for Rowan University students and private residents.

Fans of the food will be able to place an order sometime in mid-January.

The self-proclaimed “real taste of South Philly,” Tony Luke’s was founded in 1992 by Tony “Luke” Lucidonio Sr. and his sons, Tony Luke Jr. and Nicky Lucidonio.

Albie Misci, director of sales for Tony Luke’s, said the restaurant is excited to not only be within the Rowan Univeristy community but the entire Glassboro community.

“We’ve seen what they are doing with Glassboro and building it up with the college, and we think it’s a great opportunity,” Misci said.

And, Misci noted that because Lucidonio once lived in Glassboro and raised his kids there, the community has a special place in his heart.

The restaurant will be one more addition that Glassboro officials believe will help reshape Rowan Boulevard into a premier downtown attraction.

“We are really excited about it,” said Glassboro Administrator Joe Brigandi. “We are thrilled to have a big, quality name that will add to the list of places (on Rowan Boulevard).”

Tony Luke’s currently has 22 locations throughout the mid-Atlantic region as well as in Bahrain.

In 1998, GQ magazine named it one of the Golden Dishes for that year, according to the restaurant’s website.

Lori Gallagher, of Gloucester Township, visits a Tony Luke’s at least twice a week for its chicken cutlet, which she said “is out of this world.”

As manager of the 7-Eleven on Rowan Boulevard, a mere block away from where the restaurant will be located, she is very excited.

“It’s just good food,” she said, simply.

Karl Delrosario, a 20-year-old junior at Rowan Univeristy and resident of 220 Rowan Boulevard, is a North Jersey native and has never eaten at a Tony Luke’s. He said he is nevertheless excited for the restaurant to open in his building because of the amazing things his friends have told him.

“I’m excited that it’s coming here,” he said on his way into 220 Rowan Boulevard. “My friends have told me it’s pretty good.”

Reposted From: http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2015/11/philly_restaurant_tony_lukes_is_coming_to_glassbor.html

New Glassboro Health Center Opens on Rowan Boulevard

Officials with Inspira Health Network and Cooper University Health Care marked the opening of a new Glassboro health center this week.

Inspira Health Center Glassboro, which will house the Cooper Bone and Joint Institute at Woodbury, will provide outpatient health services for the community, including Rowan University students.

The $1.9 million, 27,500-square-foot facility is located within 200 Rowan Boulevard, the newest building opened as part of the massive Rowan Boulevard redevelopment project.

Health center services will include primary and urgent care, orthopedics, physical therapy, medical imaging and behavioral wellness.

In the Behavioral Wellness Center, psychiatrists from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine will treat children and adults through individual, family and group therapy sessions.

“This new health care complex really speaks to the needs and preferences of health care consumers, and it illustrates the transformation that is taking place in health care today,” John DiAngelo, president and CEO of Inspira Health Network, said in a written statement. “Together, Inspira and Cooper are working to bring co-located services, extended hours, clinical expertise and timely care all in one convenient location.”

The health center, which will officially open to the public on Nov. 9, is located on the first floor of 220 Rowan Boulevard, a building which also includes student housing, luxury apartments and retail space.

Reposted From: http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2015/11/new_glassboro_heath_center_opens_on_rowan_boulevard.html

Rowan Boulevard an Asset for Glassboro

The continued development of Rowan Boulevard in Glassboro is a tremendous asset for the borough and Rowan University.

This includes the opening of 220 Rowan Boulevard, an enormous project that is changing the look of the town for the better and providing new housing for Rowan students that will bring them into downtown Glassboro and make them more a part of the community.

Public/private partnership projects like these are important for our state’s economy. They bring construction jobs and the business tenants of the new buildings are creating jobs that didn’t exist before.

Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney and local officials were at the ribbon-cutting of 220 Rowan Boulevard. Like Rowan President Ali Houshmand said, Sweeney has done an incredible amount for both Rowan and Glassboro.

For the borough and the region, this is just the beginning of a new era. It is great to see Sweeney and local and county officials bringing real results to our community.

Reposted From: http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/opinion/readers/2015/10/16/letter-rowan-boulevard-asset-glassboro/74063484/

Local Officials Join Woodmont Properties at Groundbreaking for Woodmont Metro at Metuchen Station

Woodmont Properties, one of the region’s leading residential and commercial real estate developers, recently hosted a groundbreaking celebration at Woodmont Metro at Metuchen Station, the developer’s latest transit-oriented, luxury apartment community. Ideally located in the heart of downtown Metuchen, Woodmont Metro will feature a half-acre, open-space piazza, as well as with 11,500 square feet of shops and restaurants.

Local officials including Mayor Thomas Vahalla, who officially broke ground at the site operating the excavator to mark the start of the momentous project, and longtime Metuchen Parking Authority Chairman Len Roseman were in attendance, along with Dante Germano, chief operating officer of Nexus Properties and key executives from Woodmont Properties, including Chief Executive Officer Eric Witmondt, President Lewis Zlotnick, Executive Vice President and General Counsel Stephen Santola, along with Chief Investment Officer David Trager.

“The perfect addition to our downtown, Woodmont Metro will fit in seamlessly with the character of Metuchen,” said Mayor Vahalla. “From the new shops and restaurants to the stunning high-end apartments, this is truly an exciting time for Metuchen, and a significant milestone in the evolution of our town.”

Located at the corner of Pearl and New streets, Woodmont Metro at Metuchen Station will consist of 273 residential rental units. The shops will comprise 11,500 square feet. The six-level parking deck will offer 750 parking spaces for residents, commuters and shoppers.

The first phase of construction will consist of the parking deck, which will be built and managed by Nexus Properties.

Germano shared: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside of Woodmont Properties on this transformative project for Metuchen and we look forward to taking the first step to make this vision a reality.”

Metuchen, just a short train ride to New York City, has often been called “the brainy borough” due to its proximity to the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University. The area features a wide variety of specialty shops, as well as a unique mix of restaurants, art galleries and entertainment.

Vahalla added: “I think Metuchen is truly unique in that it has kept its small town character, but is still very accessible to New York City.”

“Metuchen is a one-of-a-kind destination and we’re thrilled to break ground on a project that will bring new vibrancy to the area,” said Santola. “With its location just a few steps from the Metuchen NJ Transit train station and in the heart of Metuchen’s growing downtown, the property offers convenience and walkability – two key factors that continue to attract long-term residents.”

Prior to construction, Woodmont Properties relocated and developed a brand new post for the Metuchen American Legion, equipped with a magnificent kitchen and meeting hall space. The 4,205-square-foot building was built on property owned by the Parking Authority at Wernik Place and Calvin Place, adjacent to the existing Halsey Street parking lot.

 Reposted from: njbmagazine.com/…/local-officials-join-woodmont-properties-at-groundbreaking-for-.

NJ Universities Adding ‘ College Towns’ Near Campus

Students returning this month to two New Jersey state colleges will find big differences next to campus as developments materialize seeking to add the bustle of traditional college towns.

A $74 million building next to Rowan Universityopened this month, the latest and largest addition to a years-long project to connect the growing university with the modest downtown of Glassboro; and a development of retailers and student housing is opening next to The College of New Jersey in Ewing that could become a sort of downtown for a suburb that doesn’t have one now.

Both universities, once state teachers colleges, have been evolving into more prestigious places, and school officials hope the projects change the nature of their communities, too.

Alyssa Hart graduated from Rowan in May. Now, on top of preparing for graduate school at the university to become a counselor, she is an intern in the newest building on Rowan Boulevard. The Brick native said Rowan Boulevard grew up during her four undergraduate years. Its presence, she said, kept more students in town on weekends and made those who remained less likely to venture into Philadelphia for fun on weekends, thus fostering a “more homey” university feeling.

“I just really like the idea of Rowan Boulevard,” she said.

The edges of campuses nationwide have been booming over the past decade, largely with developments mixing student housing with other uses, including restaurants and stores geared toward both students and others. Some of them help alleviate the longstanding town-gown tensions over noisy parties, taxes and other issues.

The less common feature of the two New Jersey developments is that they’re the main element making the towns with colleges feel more like college towns.

It may take some time before either is exactly the vibrant, funky, student-dominated places like the downtowns in Iowa City near the University of Iowa or Athens near theUniversity of Georgia.

At TCNJ, recognized as a top public liberal arts school, the first students are moving into the $120 million Campus Town development this month. The complex of buildings includes apartments for nearly 450 students — with more to come in a second phase of development — along with a book store. A yogurt shop, tavern and other businesses are to open soon.

In Glassboro, Rowan Boulevard is an even bigger development that’s been going up for years. The total price tag is expected to be $350 million. The school, now a state research university, has expanded from 9,000 students less than a decade ago to 16,000 now and has plans to keep growing.

This month, students and some non-students are moving into apartments in the biggest building in the development. It has student apartments, market-rate apartments, a medical office and retail space. Part of the financing for the $74 million building, known by its address, 220 Rowan Boulevard, is coming from up to $22.5 million in state business tax credits.

Glassboro Mayor Leo McCabe said the city government in the blue-collar town of about 20,000 is on board with Rowan’s expansion and more college-related growth. Decades ago, McCabe said, “We just didn’t pay attention to each other.”

But he said the local government, which owns the land for the project and leases it to developers, benefits from the university’s expansion.

Previously, the single-family homes on the land generated $70,000 per year in property taxes. The buildings that replace them now contribute about $1.4 million a year in payments in lieu of taxes to the town.

Rowan President Ali Houshmand, who joined McCabe for an interview, said a benefit of having part of the building boom off campus is that it means developers take the financial risk rather than the university.

“We’re not very good at building and managing buildings,” Houshmand said. “We are good at educating.”

The excitement on campus does not mean everyone is enthusiastic.

Marcello Mazzitelli, who for 15 years has owned Little Sicily Pizza and Wings across the street from what’s now Rowan Boulevard, said that moving into the new center would not make sense for him because the students go home for the summer.

“Four months,” he said, “nobody.”

Reposted From: http://www.thedailyjournal.com/story/news/local/2015/08/23/new-jersey-universities-adding-college-towns-near-campus/32236665/

New Glassboro Building Mixes Student, Market-Rate Housing

It bears the Rowan name and is located just off the university’s Glassboro campus, but 220 Rowan Blvd. isn’t all about the students.

While the 316,000-square-foot mixed-use building, which had its ceremonial debut Friday, will house more than 450 students in apartments, its nearly 60 market-rate units offer a broader appeal.

“Everything’s here,” said Robert Taylor, 55, executive director of the Gloucester County Boys and Girls Clubs, who will move into a two-bedroom apartment on the sixth floor on Aug. 13. (“At 2 o’clock,” he happily noted.)

With shops and restaurants popping up along the boulevard – an ongoing $350 million redevelopment project – the area, Taylor said, “has just exploded.” A bonus in moving from Woodbury to the apartment, which will cost about $1,500 monthly with utilities, he said, is that his office on Center Street is a short walk away.

Elected officials and university leaders gathered to tout and tour the $74 million structure, which also includes 20,000 square feet of retail space and 27,000 square feet of medical facilities. Cooper Health System and Inspira Health Network have an agreement to provide urgent, primary, and other care.

Developed by Mercer County-based Nexus Properties, the project was awarded $22 million in tax incentives over 10 years by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

“They’re not just going to Camden,” Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D., Gloucester) said of the tax breaks at the ribbon-cutting. The EDA has awarded more than $630 million in credits to businesses planning to relocate to Camden.

“We are creating a new Glassboro,” Sweeney said. “Glassboro, 20 years ago, was struggling – struggling dramatically, financially.”

That sentiment was echoed by other officials. Rowan University president Ali A. Houshmand told the crowd: “You ain’t seen anything yet.”

Proposals for two other mixed-use buildings for Rowan Boulevard are being considered, said Gloucester County Freeholder Heather Simmons, also a Glassboro spokeswoman. Already on the road are a hotel, stores, eateries, and more student housing. A town square is being constructed at the road’s southern end, leading into downtown Glassboro.

Harriet Brittingham, a retired elementary-school teacher, toured the structure following the ribbon-cutting with an eye on the future.

“It’s beautiful,” Brittingham said. “When people retire and become seniors, it gets to a point where a home is not always doable.”

A 1972 graduate of the university – then Glassboro State College – Brittingham said she was trying to sell her home in West Deptford, and when she does, she hopes to rent a one-bedroom apartment at 220.

“It almost feels like I’m coming home,” she said. “Hopefully.”

Reposted From: http://articles.philly.com/2015-08-09/news/65354627_1_new-glassboro-glassboro-campus-sweeney

220 Rowan Boulevard Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Downtown Glassboro’s Rowan Boulevard is getting ready for business. 220 Rowan Boulevard had their ribbon cutting ceremony this afternoon, marking the opening of the retail, medical, and housing structure, opening this month.

“I’m so happy about this thing, and I’m particularly happy for our students because they are going to live in a wonderful place,” Dr. Ali Houshmand, President at Rowan Univeristy. “I’m happy for the community because they can go to these stores and enjoy being here.  Walking around, feeling safe. Everything is wonderful, I’m excited.”

220 Rowan Boulevard, developed and built by Nexus Properties, is located between Rowan University and downtown Glassboro. The new site has luxury market rate apartments, new student apartments, a parking garage, and areas for retail stores and restaurants. There’s also space for medical use, thanks to a joint agreement with Inspira and Cooper.

“Everybody benefits, everybody wins, and that’s what we mean by collaboration and partners between entities,” said Houshmand.

“It’s a win for all South Jersey, it’s wonderful,” said Steve Sweeney, State Senate President. “But the good news is, most of the place is already rented and they’re looking at the next two projects, so, this is great for the economy of Glassboro, Gloucester County, it’s wonderful.”

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Grow New Jersey program has already approved 220 Rowan Boulevard for 22 million dollars in tax incentives over the next ten years.

“There’s 350 million dollars worth of development here,” said Sweeney. “There’s construction jobs, there’s permanent jobs.”

Projected to be completely finished in 2018, Rowan University officials say the opening of the Boulevard has already brought 350 new job opportunities.

“You’re talking about thousands of jobs,” said Houshmand. “I wonder if the construction industry today has enough workers to find.  Because everyone’s getting employed here. And that is what’s the best part of it.”

Reposted From: https://snjtoday.com/video-220-rowan-boule43543vard-ribbon-cutting-ceremony/

New Building Opens on Rowan Boulevard

The transformation here took another leap Friday with the opening of 220 Rowan Blvd., a $74 million towering block of apartments and retail spaces.

Officials cut the red ribbon outside the 316,000-square-foot complex, announcing all 456 undergraduate beds will be full on move-in day later this month, and about half of the market-rate apartments are leased.

“We are creating a new Glassboro — a Glassboro that 20 years ago was struggling,” said Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester.

The building creates 100 permanent jobs in downtown Glassboro, in addition to the 250 others created by the Rowan Boulevard development.

The ground floor of 220 Rowan Blvd. includes 20,000 square feet of retail space. South Jersey Credit Union is among the first to lease space. Another 27,000 square feet is dedicated for medical facilities — including specialty, orthopedic and urgent care services — through a joint agreement with Inspira Health Network and Cooper Health System. The medical facilities are expected to open in October.

“This is a long time in the making,” Sweeney said, noting borough administrator Joe Brigandi — a former freeholder — had visions of Rowan Boulevard as early as the late 1990s.

“But we needed a partner.”

Rowan Boulevard development, the state’s largest municipal redevelopment project, is funded through $350 million in private and public funds.

The project has transformed Glassboro “from a pass-through town to a destination” in a half-decade, Rowan’s President Ali Houshmand said.

“I dream big,” he said at the front doors of the building. “I dreamed about this place. Still, I’m shocked.”

Each new structure builds the “quintessential college town” that keeps Glassboro’s police department funded, its roads clean and schools supported financially, the university president added.

The privately owned businesses on the boulevard generate tax revenue for the borough. Sixty new stores set to occupy the boulevard will boost the local economy by $48 million annually, according to municipal officials.

Two more parcels on Rowan Boulevard are set to begin construction in 2017 and 2018. The borough is currently soliciting proposals for the sites.

Reposted From: http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2015/08/07/new-building-opens-rowan-boulevard/31310149/

Rowan Boulevard Adds $74M Development

One of the largest projects in the ongoing development of Rowan Boulevard in Glassboro, N.J., has been completed, rounding out a large segment of the revitalization of this South Jersey community.

The $74 million development called 220 Rowan Blvd. also links Rowan University to Glassboro’s downtown, which was one of the goals of the overall Rowan Boulevard plan.

The development totals 316,000 square feet and includes: 57 market rate apartments; 119 apartments that will cater to Rowan University students; 20,000 square feet of retail space and a 27,000-square-foot urgent care medical facility operated by Inspira.

The project was built by Nexus Properties of Lawrenceville, N.J. Nexus Properties qualified for $22.5 million in tax credits over 10 years, about one third of the overall value, for the project.

Rowan Boulevard is the largest municipal renewal project in the works in New Jersey and at build out will total more than $300 million of investment. Like many projects on this scale, progress has been slow but steady.

The idea for Rowan Boulevard began in 2008 with a vision unveiled by the borough and Rowan University officials to create a vibrant, mixed-use development that connected the university with the rest of the town. After a couple of years, Glassboro bought 90 properties and assembled them for a 26-acre tract where Rowan Boulevard is taking shape.

A partnership between Rowan and Glassboro was formed to envision what was needed.

It was determined a mix of uses would work best, including student housing, retail that catered to the community as well as students, restaurants, open gathering spaces, a book store, hotel, and market rate and senior housing. The housing mix brings multi-generational residents to the community, and in turn different buying power and cycles to keep the retail scene vibrant.

For Rowan University, Rowan Boulevard fills in some of the missing elements the school sought as a way to attract students, retain top faculty and have a positive impact on the community.

Reposted From: http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/blog/real-estate/2015/08/rowan-boulevard-adds-74m-development.html