EATONTOWN, NJ – Change is coming to the Monmouth County Mall, including its name.
The landscape of Monmouth County is set for a significant transformation with the announcement of the Monmouth Mall’s redevelopment. The mall, a longstanding fixture in the community, is slated for demolition starting this March to make way for a new residential complex, complete with retail and office spaces. This development, spearheaded by Kushner Companies, marks a pivotal shift towards modernizing the area while addressing the changing needs and preferences of its residents.
The envisioned “open-air” space will host a mix of stores and restaurants, alongside office spaces, centered around a public green area designed to accommodate community events such as live music performances and farmers’ markets. This redesign comes in response to the mall’s declining foot traffic, with more than half of its stores remaining vacant in recent years, prompting the need for a sustainable, forward-looking solution.
Michael Sommer, Chief Development Officer at Kushner Companies, shared insights into the ambitious project, now dubbed “Monmouth Square.” The initiative aims to replace the traditional indoor mall setup with an open-air concept, blending 1,000 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center into the design. Plans also include the addition of walking and biking trails, enhancing the area’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Despite the extensive redevelopment efforts, Sommer assures that parts of the mall will continue to operate as usual, with construction of the apartment units expected to commence later in 2024. This project not only signifies a new chapter for Monmouth County but also reflects a broader trend towards mixed-use developments that cater to the evolving lifestyle preferences of communities.
Key existing tenants, including Macy’s, AMC Theatres, and Boscov’s, will retain their presence in the reimagined space. A notable change includes the relocation of Barnes & Noble to accommodate a new Whole Foods store, signaling an upgrade in the retail mix. Meanwhile, previously vacated spaces by JCPenney and Lord & Taylor will be part of the demolition process.