Joint venture partners Ironstate Development Co. and Brookfield broke ground Monday on a $135 million mixed-use development project in downtown Montclair next door to the township’s historic Wellmont Theater.
The project along Bloomfield Avenue will include two buildings that straddle Seymour Street, the partners said in a news release after the groundbreaking.
A six-story building will include 200 rental apartments, 28,000 square feet of street-level retail, 10,000 square feet of rental space targeted at the arts and 224 parking spaces. A seven-story building, meanwhile, will include 40,000 square feet of office space and 210 parking spaces.
“Downtown Montclair, and this location in particular, offers a unique opportunity for us to execute our core philosophy of combining modern design with intimate collective spaces in a walkable setting that fosters social interaction and a real connection to the surroundings,” David Barry, CEO of Ironstate, said in a prepared statement. “We also believe very strongly in community building through thoughtfully programmed public spaces and curated retail that enhances area residents’ overall experience on a daily basis and creates energy and life on the street. We’re excited to be a part of creating a destination that is authentic to Montclair and complements its unique character and appeal.”
A portion of Seymour Street will be converted to a 12,000-square-foot public plaza with outdoor seating, performance spaces and more. Additionally, a five-story municipal parking garage will include 315 spaces at Glenridge Avenue and North Willow Street.
“This development surpasses my dream of a first-class arts district for our township,” Mayor Robert Jackson said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that Brookfield and Ironstate are underway and moving at a great pace. Today’s groundbreaking is a milestone. I can’t wait to cut the ribbon.”
The project is scheduled for completion in 2020.
Marchetto Higgins Stieve and Minno Wasko are the designers, with interiors by Kara Mann Design. Ironstate is based in Hoboken, while Brookfield has its U.S. headquarters in New York City.
