rew-online.com
Original Article
Exterior building restoration is nearing completion at Edison Village, Prism Capital Partners’ industrial-to-residential redevelopment of the historic Thomas Edison Invention Factory and Commerce Center in West Orange.
According to Eugene Diaz, principal partner, the project has progressed at a rapid pace.
Edison Village, representing the largest non-waterfront adaptive-reuse project in New Jersey, encompasses 21 acres on Main Street, in the heart of West Orange Township’s Downtown Redevelopment Area.
Phase I involves the total renovation and reconstruction of the 100-year-old factory complex, introducing 334 rental units, 18,400 s/f of retail with a supporting 630-space parking structure.
“This project has been discussed in West Orange for many years,” said West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi. “We are thrilled by the speed that things are happening.”
Prism Capital Partners was appointed designated redeveloper for the property 10 years ago. “Following extended delays, driven by litigation and the Great Recession, we are pleased to be moving forward so quickly in completing what we first set out to do,” Diaz noted. “This project is a poster child for the benefits of persistence and a disciplined approach.”
The studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom, market-rate residences at Edison Village range from 590 to 1,500 s/f, with 20 penthouse duplex residences.
The design, by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, takes advantage of existing architectural features to incorporate ceiling heights ranging from 14 to 16 ft. and 10 ft. replica replacement windows.
Residents will have access to a private fitness center, indoor swimming pool, rooftop deck, personal and bike storage, meeting rooms, private dining room and doorman service. A mid-2018 opening is anticipated, with leasing commencing in January.
Edison Village’s retail component – expected to be completed by year-end 2017 – is being constructed on the corner of Charles Street and along Main Street, providing current and future residents with a new in-town shopping experience. An interior plaza with a fountain will be open to the public during the day.
Prism secured full approvals this fall for the project’s Phase II, which will incorporate 230 for-sale townhouses.
During Phase II construction, poised to begin during Phase I leasing, the Township’s DPW building will be relocated, and Prism will extend Standish Avenue through the townhome site in order to improve traffic flow for the surrounding community.
Infrastructure improvements will include new roads, sidewalks, street lighting and landscaping.
Built in 1913 by Thomas Edison, the factory complex on the site of Edison Village for decades served as a manufacturing operation where Edison employees produced storage batteries used in light delivery vehicles, automobiles, railroad signals, industrial applications and mining equipment. Those operations ceased in 1965.