Mixed-use community in Springfield reaches milestone

The Metropolitan, Garden Communities new mixed-use development in Springfield, has reached a key occupancy milestone. With 90% of its apartment and townhome residences now leased, construction has begun on additional townhomes in the western Union County community.

The Metropolitan is located at the border of Millburn-Short Hills and Springfield and occupies the site of a former Saks Fifth Avenue store at 92 Millburn Ave. The community features 270 rental residences less than a mile south of NJ Transit’s Short Hills station and one mile west of an NJ Transit bus stop, whose bus goes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.

“As demand for contemporary suburban multifamily product continues, it’s no surprise The Metropolitan has drawn strong interest from residents looking for a luxury rental community to call home,” said Garden Communities’ Deborah Alexandre, new development leasing manager.

The Metropolitan’s two- and three-bedroom, three-story townhomes each include a two-car private garage. Monthly rents at The Metropolitan begin at $2,750. 

Among the amenities at The Metropolitan are a marble-walled lobby with coffee bar, entertainment lounge with a fireplace, billiards and game room; co-working pods; and a fitness center and yoga room. Conveniences include daytime concierge, EV chargers, package lockers and resident storage, and reserved garage parking. 

Additionally, The Metropolitan will incorporate about 5,000 square feet of retail space fronting Millburn Avenue; leasing is underway. 

Outside, the nine-acre property’s grounds feature a pocket park with seating, a patio, and outdoor kitchen area with televisions, fire pits and barbecues. There is a heated pool with a sundeck and two rooftop decks. 

The Saks store on Millburn Avenue drew clientele from around the region even as it faced fierce competition from the Mall at Short Hills just over four miles west. The 67,000-square-foot store closed in 1994 and was torn down in 2021 so work could begin on The Metropolitan. Saks opened a store at The Mall at Short Hills.