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The basics:

• 500 Plaza Drive surpasses 75% occupancy in Secaucus
• Quest Diagnostics signs long-term 131K-sf HQ lease extension
• Retarus, NJEA add new leases and relocations at property
• Signature Acquisitions drives leasing momentum at Harmon Meadow tower

Signature Acquisitions is retaining tenants at 500 Plaza Drive, as the 11-story trophy office tower surpasses 75% occupancy.

The Cranford-based real estate owner and manager announced the milestone within the Harmon Meadow complex in Secaucus April 22.

According to the firm, it secured 145,000 square feet of office leases in the first quarter of 2026, led by a long-term extension for Quest Diagnostics.

The activity underscores the 465,000-square-foot property’s status as a headquarters draw, offering a strategic location to the wider region and walkability to dining, retail and lodging options. It offers proximity to the Lincoln Tunnel, the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 3.

Beyond the deal for Quest Diagnostics’ 131,000-square-foot headquarters, Signature Acquisitions detailed two other recent lease transactions:

• German software company Retarus relocated its primary North American office to an 8,700-square-foot space
• New Jersey Education Association consolidated several smaller offices into a single, long-term 7,300-square-foot space

Signature Acquisitions Senior Vice President Sandy Monaghan said the Quest renewal “is a testament to our success at providing a responsive, white-glove level of service to leading global companies, in the kind of walkable location that isn’t commonly found in the suburban office landscape.”

A ‘coveted address’

That combination is fueling demand. According to ownership, just two blocks of space remain available, with full-floor opportunities available on the second and fifth floors. Other building tenants include retailer The Children’s Place and Pierre Fabre USA.

Bult in 1985, 500 Plaza Drive underwent a capital improvement program under prior ownership. Signature Acquisitions added the property to its portfolio last year for about $50 million, according to Real Estate NJ. Seller Manulife US REIT previously purchased the building for $115 million in 2017.

Onsite amenities include a fitness center, conference center, barista and full-service cafeteria.

As part of its strategic positioning, Signature Acquisitions enlisted a JLL office leasing team at 500 Plaza Drive. The firm has experience at the property.

Senior Managing Director David Stifelman and Executive Managing Director Tim Greiner represented the landlord in the Quest, Retarus and NJEA transactions. Meanwhile, CBRE Vice Chairman David Opper, Senior Vice President Conor Dolan and Senior Transaction and Strategy manager David Zelinski represented Quest; Cushman & Wakefield Vice Chair Curtis Foster and Managing Director Jerry Shifrin represented Retarus; and Newmark Managing Director Dan Reider and Associate Jack Barclay represented NJEA.

“For companies seeking space in the Meadowlands submarket, nothing checks all the boxes in terms of location, building quality, attentive property management, and engaged, well-capitalized ownership, as effectively as 500 Plaza Drive,” Stifelman said. “It’s a coveted address with above standard infrastructure that’s strategically located, with the type of amenity package that tenants demand.”