Since June of 2002, Renaissance Properties has been assembling the numerous parcels comprising “The District at Metuchen”, with the  purchase of an interest in the former Stop & Shop site. We had several meetings with Steve Epstein of Boro Hardware who also wanted to develop his site with a new, more modern building.  The Boro Hardware tract is now part of our development and part of a joint venture between our company and Boro Hardware. 

        After many meetings with the Borough and its professionals and discussions with local residents, it was quite apparent that Metuchen did not want a “typical” strip mall-type development and that this project would be an extension of the downtown.

        While revisiting the site design, we came to the realization that in order to design a project of high quality architecture, construction and design, we would need to acquire all of the surrounding properties; this was accomplished over the next two years.   With all of the corner property compiled (barring Blockbuster and the adjacent small strip mall), we attended dozens of meetings in the Borough:   at residents homes, in schools, in churches, at Borough Hall and the Senior Center, as well as hosted many charrettes to obtain the public input.  We assembled a very talented team of professionals who have done numerous projects such as this throughout the state.  Our architect and planner, Dave Minno, worked for every major developer in the tri-state area.   Our engineering firm, Menlo Engineering, has worked on numerous projects similar in nature, including the Edison Towne Center.  Our traffic engineer, John Rea of McDonough & Rea, is renowned throughout the state for his expertise.  At the request of the Board at Preliminary approval in December of 2007, we also hired a lighting specialist, Tom Bauer of Melillo & Bauer (Designer of Pier Village, Long Branch and the new W Hotel in Hoboken), whom has also brought his landscape & hardscape specialty on board, further enhancing our site plan. 

        Our design team worked together to create a project that would compliment  downtown and enhance the community, all the while keeping in mind that Central Avenue is a Borough road, and addressing our greatest challenge:   keeping Boro Hardware open while we develop the site.   We incorporated many of the changes expressed over the years at all the meetings, as well as the Borough Planner’s and Board’s comments.   In fact, we have added a fountain in the boulevard entry on Central Avenue, added bike racks, benches and seating areas, as well as expanded the public piazza located behind building B, to include the entire interior parking field; smaller public events can be held in the initial parking piazza with larger events held within the entire interior of the site.  In addition, we will be installing a sidewalk from our site to the County owned Trailhead Park, providing safe pedestrian access to open space for Metuchen residents, where none exists today.

        Our Final Site Plan was approved on July 20, 2009.   It is our hope that “The District at Metuchen” will be a true renaissance for this area of Metuchen.