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Morristown problems call for redevelopment of vacant stores on the Green

Posted on by Vaseline

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Despite all the transformative redevelopment that Morristown has undergone over the past two decades, a block of highly visible and largely vacant buildings on the Morristown Green is still awaiting a much-needed 21st century makeover.

That time may come soon.

After years of discussion, city officials have put out a call for development partners for what they consider “an exciting project that will strengthen the heart of downtown Morristown.”

A formal request for qualifications and proposals was issued last week for Morristown’s North Park Place redevelopment plan. The strip, anchored by the shuttered Century 21 department store, was designated by the city in December as a “condemnation area in need of redevelopment.”

The Morristown plan calls for new shops and housing

North Park “has languished in recent decades,” the Request for Proposals says. “Today, the area’s buildings are characterized by vacancies, substandard building conditions and disrepair. This condition is in stark contrast to nearby parts of downtown Morristown, which have undergone revitalization and reinvestment especially in the past decade.”

The redevelopment plan, a blueprint adopted in February, would replace the current mix of commercial real estate with new buildings with commercial space on the first floor and up to 160 residential units above and a maximum height of five stories.

The RFQ/P was issued to identify qualified developers interested in the project. Entries must be submitted by July 30. Each proposed project must still be reviewed and approved by the municipal planning board.

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From Bamberger to Century 21

“We are committed to working with innovative developers who share our vision for a thriving downtown that offers a mix of residential, commercial and public spaces,” Mayor Tim Dougherty said in a statement announcing the request. “This project will enrich the vibrancy of our community and create a lasting impact for residents and visitors alike.”

Century 21 moved into the space along the Green in 2002. But it closed in December 2020 during the depths of the COVID pandemic, joining several other vacant properties on the street. The multi-story store — which opened in 1949 as Bamberger’s and then was renamed Macy’s in 1986 — was co-anchored in the downtown shopping district for decades, along with Epstein’s department store.

Epstein’s was demolished in 2006 to make way for one of the largest redevelopment projects in Morristown’s history: a seven-story complex of townhouses and ground-floor commercial properties along South Street, including several restaurants and taverns that are now part of the Morristown’s thriving nightlife.

Historic preservation part of the plan

The redevelopment of North Park focuses on 11 plots with a total area of ​​3.2 hectares. While the plan allows for the demolition of certain buildings, including Century 21, it also calls for the preservation of the historic stone medallions on the building’s brick facade, which “commemorate individuals who made significant contributions to the development of Morristown.” . Proposals reads.

Demolition of the four-story building next to Century 21 and its unique facade would be another matter. Morristown included it as a “contributing structure” in the 1986 designation of a multi-resource historic district. The redevelopment plan calls for that structure to be retained, “except for minor changes that may be necessary to facilitate integration into the broader redevelopment project.”

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, subscribe today or activate your digital account.

E-mail: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com

Twitter/X: @wwesthoven

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