Whole Foods — and two McLoone’s restaurants — coming to Somerset County center

New York City’s Dor L Dor, Turning Point Restaurant, European Wax Center also coming to 292,700 sq. ft. center that has been undeveloped for 15 years

The Montgomery Township planning board approved plans to move forward with construction of Montgomery Promenade, a 292,700-square-foot center on Route 206, according to Atlanta-based developer SJC Ventures.

SJC Ventures plans to break ground in January 2023 on the 54-acre site that has sat undeveloped for more than 15 years. The Promenade will feature palisades for walking, dedicated open green spaces, outdoor dining and first to market restaurants. SJC is also planning new infrastructure to promote walkability and support existing and new traffic patterns plus great amenities.

“We’re extremely pleased to be able to bring this project to fruition after working with community leaders and stakeholders to get it right for quite some time. The product that came from that intensive collaboration is something the community can be extremely proud of,” Jeff Garrison, partner at SJC Ventures, said in a statement.

The new mixed-use center will be anchored by a Whole Foods Market grocery store and will include two phases. Other confirmed tenant leases include Tim McLoone’s dual concept restaurants Iron Whale and the Robinson Ale House, New York City’s Dor L Dor women’s apparel, Kirk Ruoff’s award winning breakfast/lunch concept Turning Point Restaurant, More Than Q, European Wax Center, Spavia and Norman’s Hallmark.

“We are actively preleasing for this space and have all contractors in place,” Justin Latone, senior vice president of leasing at SJC Ventures, said. “We are still seeking high-end shops, services and additional dining for Montgomery Promenade to round out the carefully curated tenant lineup in place.”

“We’ve enjoyed being deeply engaged with the community to create a truly special and transformative project,” Garrison said. “The future of commercial space is looking beyond what the traditional mall used to be and creating centers of engagement where people can gather and work, dine and enjoy entertainment all in one place. Montgomery Promenade will be a sustainable catalyst for future investment in this area and a wonderful asset for the community.”

The center is expected to welcome its first openings in summer 2024.