Listen to this article

Benchmark Senior Living continues its expansion to New Jersey with construction underway in Essex County on a new, full-service retirement community.

The largest senior living provider in New England announced June 19 beginning work on its second Garden State project, Benchmark at Cedar Grove.

The latest groundbreaking follows Benchmark’s entrance to the local market in January. At that time, the company broke ground on Benchmark at Scotch Plains. Both ongoing projects fulfill an objective to enter the state. They also join other local efforts to expand necessary housing for an aging population.

“It’s long been our goal to bring much-needed, high-quality senior care to New Jersey, so it’s exciting to see that vision come to fruition,” commented Tom Grape, founder, chairman and CEO, Benchmark Senior Living. “Cedar Grove has a strong sense of community, and we can’t think of a better place to bring our mission of transforming lives through human connection.”

Essex County retirement

Benchmark at Cedar Grove expects to open in 2027. It will rise on the site of the former Cedar Grove Garden Center. The 5.5-acre site will support 138 apartments across a four-story, 145,000-square-foot building.

Pending licensure, Benchmark said the community plans to offer a range of on-site rental options, including independent living, personalized assisted living and memory care.

The company also said it will offer distinct amenities to serve residents across all three care levels. Plans include:

• Multiple dining venues
• A pub/bistro
• Arts and activities spaces
• Sports lounge
• Two hair salons
• Wellness center
• Exterior courtyards for active and passive recreation; and more

Niche ranks Cedar Grove Township as the No. 16 Best Places to Live in Essex County. Overall, the suburb boasts an A- grade. According to the website, 25% of the local population is age 65 or older.

Benchmark is developing Benchmark at Cedar Grove in partnership with institutional investor and co-developers Claremont Development and March Development LLC, both of Morristown. According to the company, Huntington National Bank provided mortgage financing for the project. Lantz-Boggio Architects of Fort Lauderdale provides architectural services, while Senior By Design of Dallas will serve as designer on the project.

IMC Construction will serve as general contractor. The Philadelphia-based company is also GC for Benchmark at Scotch Plains.