Hasbrouck Heights-based DMR Architects‘ plans for the first town center in Hanover Township’s 220-plus-year history is going to completely transform the way people and businesses interface with the area that is currently populated by corporate office campuses.
Construction has begun on the first phase of the project, which will transform 88 acres in the Whippany area into the River Park Town Center, a downtown destination featuring 967 residential units, 80,000 square feet of retail, two 125-room extended stay hotels, an outdoor amphitheater and the completion of the Patriot Trail along the Whippany River.
The first phase includes the construction of building one of 11, and will offer 81 residential units, a pool, a fitness center and community amenities.
“The creative challenge in Hanover was to design something that served a lot of functions that are completely new here, while still preserving the community character and existing physical and natural landscaping,” said Francis Reiner, redevelopment consultant and partner for DMR Architects. “This is a great example of proactive municipal planning and placemaking and the successful collaboration of a municipality, developer, planners and architects. This project will promote smart growth with elements that will appeal to residents, shoppers, employers and their staffs.”
When completed, River Park Town Center will also feature more than 20 acres of public recreation space, including an amphitheater and park, generous convocation areas for community engagement and deck, curbside and surface lot parking options. More than 40% of the land will be left in its natural state.
River Park Town Center will connect directly to Route 10 and Interstates 287 and 80, making it convenient to travel.
