Built by Thomas Edison in 1913, the Thomas Edison Invention Factory in West Orange, N.J., served as a manufacturing operation where Edison employees produced storage batteries used in light delivery vehicles, automobiles, railroad signals, industrial applications and mining equipment. Operations in the factory ended in 1965, and the site is now undergoing a major transformation to become Edison Village.
Edison Village, is the largest non-waterfront adaptive reuse project in the state of New Jersey, is wrapping up Phase I of its redevelopment. Phase I includes the creation of 334 rental units (including 34 one- and two-bedroom new construction homes), 18,400 sf of retail space, and a 650-space parking structure.
The 100-year-old Edison Lofts building was completely renovated and reconstructed and features 300 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom market-rate residences that range in size from 590 sf to 1,500 sf. The renovation and reconstruction of the building takes advantage of the 14- to 16-foot ceiling heights and the 10-foot replica replacement windows to provide abundant natural light.
See Also: New Jersey office building will undergo ‘live-work-play’ renovation
The Mews at Edison Lofts comprises the 34 new construction homes over 18,000 sf of retail space. These homes range from 796 sf to 1,336 sf and include designer kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wood detailing throughout. Monthly rents for these residences start at $2,100.
Amenities for all Edison Lofts residents include a fitness center, an indoor pool, bike storage, a media/screening room, a business center, a private dining room, concierge service, covered parking, and a dog wash. Green spaces and a rooftop indoor/outdoor lounge are also included. The retail component, The Shoppes at Edison Lofts, will feature restaurants and cafe-style concepts and an interior plaza with a cascading fountain.
Phase II of the project will see the construction of 230 for-sale townhouses and infrastructure improvements such as new roads, sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping. Prism Capital Partners is the project’s developer. Minno & Was Architects & Planners is the architect.
Related Stories
Mixed-Use | Apr 13, 2024
Former industrial marina gets adaptive reuse treatment
At its core, adaptive reuse is an active reimagining of the built environment in ways that serve the communities who use it. Successful adaptive reuse uncovers the latent potential in a place and uses it to meet people’s present needs.
Mixed-Use | Apr 9, 2024
A surging master-planned community in Utah gets its own entertainment district
Since its construction began two decades ago, Daybreak, the 4,100-acre master-planned community in South Jordan, Utah, has been a catalyst and model for regional growth. The latest addition is a 200-acre mixed-use entertainment district that will serve as a walkable and bikeable neighborhood within the community, anchored by a minor-league baseball park and a cinema/entertainment complex.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 5, 2024
McHugh Construction completes restoration of Chicago’s historic Ramova Theatre
Adaptive reuse project turns 1929 cinema into a live performance venue, adds a brewery and a taproom, and revives the Ramova Grill in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 30, 2024
Hotel vs. office: Different challenges in commercial to residential conversions
In the midst of a national housing shortage, developers are examining the viability of commercial to residential conversions as a solution to both problems.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 26, 2024
Renovation restores century-old Brooklyn Paramount Theater to its original use
The renovation of the iconic Brooklyn Paramount Theater restored the building to its original purpose as a movie theater and music performance venue. Long Island University had acquired the venue in the 1960s and repurposed it as the school’s basketball court.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 26, 2024
Adaptive Reuse Scorecard released to help developers assess project viability
Lamar Johnson Collaborative announced the debut of the firm’s Adaptive Reuse Scorecard, a proprietary methodology to quickly analyze the viability of converting buildings to other uses.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 21, 2024
Massachusetts launches program to spur office-to-residential conversions statewide
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently launched a program to help cities across the state identify underused office buildings that are best suited for residential conversions.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 15, 2024
San Francisco voters approve tax break for office-to-residential conversions
San Francisco voters recently approved a ballot measure to offer tax breaks to developers who convert commercial buildings to residential use. The tax break applies to conversions of up to 5 million sf of commercial space through 2030.
Sustainability | Mar 13, 2024
Trends to watch shaping the future of ESG
Gensler’s Climate Action & Sustainability Services Leaders Anthony Brower, Juliette Morgan, and Kirsten Ritchie discuss trends shaping the future of environmental, social, and governance (ESG).
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 7, 2024
3 key considerations when converting a warehouse to a laboratory
Does your warehouse facility fit the profile for a successful laboratory conversion that can demand higher rents and lower vacancy rates? Here are three important considerations to factor before proceeding.
