W Squared, the $350 million, 25-acre mixed-use residential and retail community led by AvalonBay that will transform the Princeton Junction train station, recently was given final site plan approval by the West Windsor planning board.
The project, which AvalonBay is undertaking with Pulte Homes and Atria Senior Living and Welltower, will produce 868 housing units for all demographics while transforming a largely deserted and obsolete office complex into a thriving hub of multimodal transportation, public space and 21,300 square feet of commercial and restaurant space.
Ron Ladell, the head of New Jersey for AvalonBay, laid out the timeline for the multiyear project.
“Work on the site already has begun,” he said. “The demolition, the site work, which includes infrastructure, along with some road relocation and the building of two garages, is going to take over a year. That will be all of 2022.
“In 2023, vertical construction will begin in earnest.”
Ladell said a ribbon-cutting will come some time in 2024.
The site plan was approved for 535 apartment homes by AvalonBay, 135 assisted living units by Atria/Welltower, 150 townhomes and stacked townhomes and 48 condominium apartments by Pulte Homes.
The transit-oriented redevelopment includes a 1.5-acre public promenade, including a pavilion to shelter public events, several seating areas and an interactive fountain play area for children. AvalonBay, which will serve as the master developer, will manage the construction of an off-site public improvement to align Washington Road to Princeton-Hightstown Road to improve regional traffic.
Ludivine O’Toole, senior director of development at AvalonBay, said the project will have something for everyone.
“Avalon W Squared will feature studios, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartment homes and amenities, including a fitness center, coworking space, lounge, rooftop lounge and deck, heated outdoor pool, courtyards with BBQ grills and active and passive recreation areas, pet spa and a pet park.”
The senior living community at Princeton Junction is intended to be developed and owned by a joint venture between Atria Senior Living and Welltower, with the community intended to be managed by Atria after completion.
“We believe in the potential of this development to help New Jersey seniors to live their best lives,” Atria Senior Living Chairman and CEO John Moore said. “Within the next 10 years, the number of people above the age of 80 will be at its highest levels in history, and there is significant demand for senior living communities that can protect, nurture and enrich the lives of older adults.”
Welltower Senior Vice President and Head of Global Development Michael Ferry agreed.
“Mixed-use housing providing walkable access to comprehensive retail offerings, a large public promenade and a vital transit hub will allow for active and engaged lifestyles for the area’s senior population,” he said.
PulteGroup Northeast Corridor Division President John Evans said his group will have offerings for every age group.
“We will offer three collections of high-quality home designs that will appeal to every buyer looking to create their dream home at Princeton Junction,” he said. “Perfectly located in a top school district and offering the convenience of a walkable lifestyle, this community is poised to become one of the state’s go-to destinations.”
West Windsor Mayor Hemant Marathe said he can’t wait.
“Residents have waited for many years for the redevelopment of this site near the Princeton Junction train station,” he said. “The mix of housing types and retail makes this project unique. This development will make an area that is currently underutilized and run down vibrant once again.
“This development is one piece of the Vaughn Drive bypass. The road improvements necessary for this project will also serve as a starting point for the Penns Neck bypass. Completely, both these bypasses will help relieve pressure on Washington Road. I am excited to see the project become reality.”
