Metuchen is a small, historic Borough in central New Jersey with a population of approximately 15,000. The downtown had been decimated over the past decades with many vacancies caused by shopping malls and other market forces. Part of a comprehensive redevelopment of the downtown, 'The District' at Metuchen is a mixed use (retail and apartments) development including a vibrant streetscape, directly adjacent to the center of the Borough. This development was catalyzed by, and concurrent with, the construction of 'Woodmont Metro,' a 273-unit residential and retail "transit-oriented" development located adjacent to the train station on the Northeast Corridor line serving commuters to New York, Trenton, and Philadelphia. Not long after 'Woodmont Metro' was constructed in 2016, Renaissance Properties received approvals for 'The District's' overall development, with a Whole Foods Market anchor, 78,000-square feet of retail space, and 80-residential apartment units known as 'The Hub.'

Menlo Engineering Associates supplied civil engineering and landscape architectural design services for the project utilizing the "Downtown Gateway District" zoning. In addition to being tied into the streetscape fabric of the Borough, 'The District' is immediately adjacent to the Middlesex County Greenway recreation trail, a portion of the East Coast Greenway built on the old Lehigh Valley Railroad line, which contributes to the strong pedestrian and bike friendly component of the project. Key to the design's success was providing cohesive landscape, lighting, and hardscape following the design standards set by the Borough's professionals. The connectivity of the sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, street safety, and cohesive design vocabulary were foremost goals in the process.

The Landscape Architecture team at Menlo worked closely with the Borough professionals in this endeavor. In addition to Middlesex County's first Whole Foods Market, current tenants include Verizon, Massage Envy, Euro Wax, Super Cuts, and various restaurants. Other retailers include Title Boxing Club, Jersey Mike's Subs, and four additional retail tenants. On March 27, 2023, Metuchen was awarded the prestigious 2023 'Great American Main Street of the Year.' This award was established in 1995 by Main Street America to recognize downtowns for their excellence and is considered the highest award a downtown can receive. The Metuchen Downtown Alliance, a volunteer downtown management group dedicated to the revitalization of the Borough, was instrumental in achieving this award and recognition. Metuchen was only one of three winners elected from eight semifinalists nationwide. 'The District' development is a primary component of this award-winning downtown, serving and enhancing the residential and retail uses in the revitalization of the Borough of Metuchen Downtown.

Team:
Menlo Engineering - Consulting Engineers and Landscape Architects Sonnenfeld and Trocchia

 
SMLM Architects, P.C.- Architectural Consultants
John Wiley, Jr. - Land Use Attorney
Control Layouts - Surveyors
Design 446, Inc. - The Hub Interiors
McDonagh and Rea - Traffic Engineers
A&I Woodworking, LLC
Builder Squared - Elevations
French and Parello Associates
Garden State Landscaping & Tree Service
Grelis Environmental Services
GV Construction, LLC
Lighting Design Associates
Reino Construction

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