Follow its $15 million renovation, The Arbors in Parsippany has attracted a homegrown company with big-time name recognition.

NJM Insurance Group signed a leased for a new, 53,000-square-foot office space at the five-building, 60-acre campus, Woodbridge-based Onyx Equities LLC announced Jan. 17.

While the move to 1 Sylvan Way isn’t far – in Parsippany, NJM is currently located less than 1 mile away at 1599 Littleton Road – it represents a major change for the insurer.

“After a careful and thoughtful analysis, NJM decided that The Arbors met all our requirements,” said NJM Senior Vice President and CFO Christopher Malone. “It provides our employees with an upgraded and modern environment and enables NJM to remain in Parsippany, which has been our North Jersey home for over 25 years.

“We look forward to occupying our new space and believe it will provide an enhanced workspace for our employees as they serve the needs of our policyholders,” Malone said.

In addition to the North Jersey location, NJM has offices in West Trenton and Hammonton.

Onyx provided a look at the results of its $15 million capital improvement plan at The Arbors last August (you can find the slideshow here). The efforts brought upgrades to roofs, HVAC systems, amenity spaces and entryways. The campus includes a 5,200-square-foot fitness center, three cafes, conference facilities and outdoor dining areas as well as spaces for relaxation, sports and 1.5 miles of paths for walking, biking and hiking.

According to Onyx, NJM’s move underscores the employer’s commitment to creating an energizing atmosphere for its employees.

“Our strategy to transform well-located office buildings into technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing spaces is yielding positive results, even in a challenging market,” commented Onyx Equities co-founder and Managing Principal Jonathan Schultz.

“Moving here provides companies with a remarkable office environment, which is a significant advantage in attracting and retaining top talent in today’s competitive job market,” Schultz added.

Communal core

Part of the success at The Arbors arises from the emphasis on community. According to Onyx, indoor and outdoor spaces at the campus are designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration between companies.

As of last summer, The Arbors recorded more than 181,000 square feet in leasing activity since Onyx acquired the site in 2020. Tenants include Ricola USA Inc., Robert Half International and others.

“Some of the largest, most successful brands in the world have chosen to locate in Parsippany, like NJM, and we are proud to be their home,” Mayor James Barberio said. “We are actively working to attract those who are building the future and appreciate Onyx Equities’ forward looking strategy because these businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstone of our community.”

Underlying that sentiment, The Arbors hosted Fall Fest last autumn, bringing together more than 500 tenants and their families to celebrate with food trucks, music and other activities.