Mill Creek Breaks Ground on Modera Garden State Plaza Mixed Use Community in Bergen County New Jersey

Mill Creek Residential has broken ground on Modera Garden State Plaza, a mixed-use community positioned within the Westfield Garden State Plaza town center in Bergen County, New Jersey. The project will be a residential component of the mall's broader redevelopment and is located at One Garden State Plaza Boulevard.

Modera Garden State Plaza will include 575 homes across two separately branded residential buildings and roughly 48,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The community will feature a suite of wellness-oriented amenities and is expected to welcome first move-ins in mid-2028.

"We are excited to serve as a co-developer of the landmark Modera Garden State Plaza, the first piece of redevelopment at Westfield Garden State Plaza, which is transforming the area into a truly vibrant mixed-use destination," said Doug Arsham, executive managing director of development for Mill Creek.

The site provides direct access to the retail and lifestyle offerings within Westfield Garden State Plaza and is connected to major thoroughfares including Route 4, Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway. The location is also less than 10 miles from MetLife Stadium. Onsite retail is planned to include curated shops, experiential concepts and dining options distributed across both buildings.

"In addition to the vast retail options and residential space, the newly constructed green spaces and enhanced connectivity options to the mall make the area even more compelling for residents and visitors alike," said Chris Holliday, vice president of development in New Jersey for Mill Creek.

Unit mix will consist of studios, one- and two-bedroom homes, with select den plans and private patios or balconies. Community amenities will include a rooftop deck, resort-style pool, sauna, outdoor kitchens and dining areas, grilling stations, fire pits, landscaped courtyards, clubhouse, coffee bar, game room, and a club-quality fitness center with group fitness areas. Work and logistics features include coworking spaces, private workstations, a conference room, digital package lockers, controlled-access garage parking, EV-charging stations, bike storage and a bike repair station. The community is being built to pursue LEED Gold Certification.

Interior specifications include nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows, wood-style plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tile backsplashes, custom soft-close cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting, movable kitchen islands, large closets and in-home washers and dryers. Smart home elements will offer key fob access, controlled-access guest technology, programmable thermostats, smart leak detection and bulk WiFi. Designer bathrooms will feature double vanities, backlit mirrors, soaking tubs and tile tub and shower surrounds.

This development aligns with current multifamily trends toward mixed-use, amenity-forward communities that emphasize connectivity, wellness and sustainability as part of larger retail and civic redevelopment efforts.