Local and state officials gathered on Dec. 2 to break ground on PARQ in Parsippany, a planned community that will “instill a new placemaking by celebrating the balance of health, happiness and well-being.”
Located at the former Lanidex Plaza in Morris County, PARQ is a distinctive, emerging multigenerational campus that will encompass townhomes, multifamily residences, onsite retail, open green spaces and state-of-the-art amenities.
Emcee Joe O’Neill welcomed an enthusiastic crowd, and Anthony Milelli, principal director of PARQ, took to the podium to express how urban renewal and revitalization projects are vital to stimulate the economy, enhance property values and instill a sense of civic pride.
The PARQ development team includes: Garofalo O’Neill Ruggierio, real estate law; Minno & Wasko, architects and planners; Design 446, marketing and advertising; Greystar Real Estate Partners; Sue Adler, Keller Williams Premier Properties; Langan Engineering & Environmental Services; Melillo + Bauer Associates, landscape architects; and Mary Cook Associates, interior design.
Back in the late 1960s, PARQ was known as Olson’s Farm prior to being rezoned as Lanidex Plaza, which served Parsippany for many years, according to Robert Garafolo, principal attorney of PARQ.
“But, just like Olson’s Farm, Lanidex Plaza became less active and less vibrant, and the owners decided it needed to be redeveloped or repurposed,” Garafolo said. “After some negotiation, we have since created PARQ Parsippany. Now and in the future, PARQ is going to be a very valuable, magnificent asset to the town of Parsippany.”
Haytham Haidar, managing director of PARQ, noted how this project will usher in a new era in Morris County.
“PARQ will forge us into the 21st century with state-of-the-art facilities, vast and welcoming green spaces for the community to enjoy, a recreational complex open to residents and sports programs to utilize, and enhanced revenue as a result of the site’s modernization,” Haidar said.
The approved plan will be implemented in two phases, according to Haidar. The first phase includes Multi-Family Building 1, which features 275 multifamily residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space and ample parking. It will also highlight 75 clustered courtyard townhomes with two-car garages. The townhomes will feature contemporary farmhouse-style architecture with access to a clubhouse and outdoor pool. Convenient, master-down home designs are also available. An athletic field, concession building, restrooms and playground are also included in the first phase.
The second phase includes Multi-Family Building 2, which features 250 multifamily residences, convenience retail, indoor and outdoor amenity space and ample parking. The residences will allow the township of Parsippany to fulfill part of its state-mandated affordable housing obligations.
The two luxury multifamily buildings tout green design elements, as well as smart building and home features that promote wellness. These features include Energy Star appliances and lighting fixtures; windows with Low-E coating; low flow water fixtures; programmable thermostats; and electric car charging stations in each building’s parking garage. Each multifamily building also features an elegant welcoming lobby with motor court dropoff; upscale club suite; private event room; children’s playroom; state-of-the-art fitness center; a resort-style pool with outdoor BBQ and lounging areas; and coworking alcoves.
PARQ’s vision is for the revitalization to seamlessly integrate the design of the project into the existing fabric of the community. The transformation of the 23-acre portion of Lanidex Plaza will conclude in 2025.
