Bell Works Archives

Bell Works hits 95% leased

Bell Works in Holmdel reached 95% leased with the signing of more than a dozen new office agreements.

Covering 74,474 square feet across six new tenant agreements and nine renewals, the metroburb announced the milestone Feb. 15.

Included among the new tenants are law firm Florio Perrucci and tech company Vydia, while Cisco re-signed for more than 48,000 square feet of space.

“If 2022 has shown us anything, it’s that companies are committed to the post-pandemic ‘office of the future’,” Ralph Zucker, president of Inspired by Somerset Development, the developer behind Bell Works New Jersey, said in a statement. “Key decision-makers at businesses ranging from large enterprises to startups are seeking highly amenitized, and purposefully designed spaces that cater to their evolving needs.”

Bell Works’ 2 million square feet includes retail, food and beverage, and entertainment-based offerings, in addition to a variety of office options.

The agreements cover traditional office space in addition to the property’s pre-built, Ready-To-Wear designer office suites. According to Zucker, “Our Ready-To-Wear spaces are designed with the priorities of modern companies in mind with both short- and long-term leases.”

All of the property’s new office tenants signed on for the RTW space:

Florio Perrucci – 1,005 square feet – full-service law firm with offices throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York
Sia Partners – 1,122 square feet – next-generation management consulting firm and pioneer of Consulting 4.0
Docupace – 3,292 square feet – a leading digital operations technology provider that simplifies how wealth management firms process and digitize key business functions
Data Pros – 1,189 square feet – Microsoft Managed Service Provider helping small businesses adopt cloud technologies
Goldstone Realty – 1,656 square feet – modern real estate company servicing clients in residential and commercial real estate
Vydia – an additional 2,887 square feet – end-to-end music technology platform and services company

Renewing tenants include:

Quest Group – 520 square feet, RTW space – executive search solutions firm
Prospect Capital Restaurants LLC – 1,580 square feet, RTW space – “fastest growing” restaurant investment group in New Jersey, with 60-plus locations, more than 1000 team members, and over 10,000 customers served daily
Two River Technologies Group LLC – 1,483 square feet, RTW space – IT support firm focusing on helping businesses save time and money on IT services
Smith Eibeler LLC – 1,478 square feet, RTW space – law firm that fights for New Jersey employees’ right to a discrimination free workplace
Comcast (EffectTV) – 6,098 square feet, traditional space – advertising sales division of Comcast Cable that helps local, regional and national advertisers grow their businesses
Garmany of Red Bank – 1,254 square feet, RTW space – corporate office location for the refined clothing store offering designer brands, shoes and accessories for men and women
Cisco – 48,888 square feet, traditional space – worldwide digital communications tech company
Bridge Technology Partners – 478 square feet, RTW space – information technology services company specializing in talent acquisition for both consulting and employment initiatives
The DiGregorio Group – 1,544 square feet, RTW space – financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC

Chatham-based The Garibaldi Group represented Bell Works New Jersey in all office transactions with a team including President Jeff Garibaldi, Vice President Tara Keating and Broker Support Analyst Lindsey Florio. Bell Works Creative Director Paola Zamudio, and her team at NPZ studio+, curated the interior design for the RTW workspaces.

Colliers Engineering & Design's growth prompted a move from Red Bank to Bell Works in Holmdel. - COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN — Colliers Engineering & Design’s growth prompted a move from Red Bank to Bell Works in Holmdel. – COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN

In a separate announcement, Colliers Engineering & Design recently said it relocated its corporate headquarters in Red Bank, space its occupied for nearly two decades, to Bell Works. According to the multi-discipline engineering and architecture, consulting and design firm, growing into the new space follows the company’s strategic plan to continue expanding. According to Executive Vice President and CAO Leonardo Ponzio, Colliers E&D has grown from 50 to more than 300 employees at its Red Bank location since taking up residence there.

“This world-class office space better accommodates our staff in an expanded, collaborative environment, with more meeting and presentation space, and upgraded technology at their disposal,” said Kevin Haney, president and CEO of Colliers Engineering & Design. “We’re very excited to be moving into this premier environment.”

Looking back

Bell Works has also gained momentum at its coworking membership experience, CoLab. In 2022, all 66 private offices were leased, as were 66 of its 68 dedicated desks. Currently, 140 active companies use the space, representing more than 400 people. CoLab’s private office waitlist, Bell Works said, had 110 individuals on it as of Dec. 31.

“Even after we expanded CoLab in 2020 to nearly six times the size of our original space, it hasn’t been enough to keep up with the growing demand for our expertly designed, turnkey spaces,” said CoLab Managing Director Sean Donohue. “As interest continues to rise in 2023, we’ll be identifying new ways to meet those demands and we’re excited for what’s in store.”

Two new retail tenants also came on board in Holmdel in 2022 and one current occupier expanded, according to Bell Works. That roster includes:

Floafers – 800 square feet, new – designer, marketer and producer of innovative foam footwear for men, women, and children
Enchanted Blossoms – 886 square feet, new – local family-run, sustainable flower shop
Fitness Factory Health Clubs – 2,071 square feet, added – rapidly growing brand of high-end health and wellness clubs across New York and New Jersey

Sabre Vice President Sean Pyle and President Justin Korinis represented Bell Works New Jersey in all retail transactions.

Looking ahead, Zucker said Bell Works’ model should continue to benefit from evolving work scenarios and due to the quality, expansive and inclusive nature of the space.

“Whether it’s a result of Bell Works’ singular energy, idyllic setting, or diverse roster of both office and retail tenants, people are placing their bets on the metroburb and we cannot build these spaces fast enough,” he said. “We anticipate this momentum will only grow stronger throughout 2023.”

Bell Works signs 11 office leases (updated)

Holmdel metroburb Bell Works is expanding its roster with nearly a dozen new and renewed office leases signed for the 2 million-square-foot campus.

Inspired by Somerset Development, the developer behind the property that offers ways to work, play, dine, shop and entertain, announced the leasing milestone Nov. 28.

“When prospective tenants investigate the competitive market, they are quick to find that there is no other building that provides the array of amenities, services, and entertainment that Bell Works provides,” said Jeff Garibaldi, president of Chatham-based The Garibaldi Group, in a statement. “It’s an inspiring ecosystem that motivates employees to come to work, which is top priority for employers today.”

Garibaldi represented Bell Works New Jersey in all the lease transactions, along with Vice President Tara Keating and Broker Support Analyst Lindsey Florio.

“We’re very excited to welcome these new companies and have them contribute to the unique and dynamic energy here at the metroburb,” said Ralph Zucker, president of Inspired. “These new agreements are a testament to the lasting demand for physical office space, and these [companies’] belief in our one-of-a-kind commercial destination can help them not only attract and retain employees, but allow their businesses to continue to grow and thrive.”

The newly signed agreements at Bell Works are:

HBK, a multidisciplinary financial services firm that offers a range of tax, accounting, audit, business advisory, valuation, financial planning, wealth management and support services, leased 18,863 square feet.

Multi-brand IT solutions provider CDW, which serves business, government, education and health care customers in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada, leased 11,544 square feet.

Property and casualty insurance company Homesite, serving individuals, families and businesses, leased 4,338 square feet.

Family-owned energy consulting group Green State Energy leased 4,310 square feet at Bell Works. The company collaborates with small and large solar installers in more than 25 American states.

3D Contracting, a full-service contracting company, leased 1,636 square feet.

Specializing in blockchain technology for digital banks, Optherium Labs, which also offers IT consulting and integration services to banks, enterprises and governments, leased 1,443 square feet.

Renewals at the metroburb include:

Mettel, a provider of integrated voice, data, network, cloud and mobility IT solutions for businesses and government agencies nationwide, subleased additional square footage making for a total of 13,239 square feet.

Independent financial planning and investment management services advisor BroadFront Capital Management expanded its lease to 1,998 square feet.

Human resource provider and staffing firm Adecco, which is focused on temporary staffing, permanent job placement, outsourcing, temp-to-hire, recruiting, career transition services, vendor management, and payroll, renewed its lease of 1,997 square feet.

Boutique firm Robertson Stephens Renewal, which offers a suite of wealth management solutions, renewed its lease for 1,374 square feet.

Renewing its lease of 1,341 square feet and run by counselor Mayya Fleyshmakher, Mayya’s Therapy is a professional psychotherapy practice for children, adolescents and adults offers accessible, solution-based and engaging therapy services to young clients.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 2:11 p.m. EDT Dec. 2, 2022, to update the square footage for Mettel’s renewal.

ICYMI

Bell Works developer debuts ‘Inspired’ rebrand

The concept of a rebrand isn’t one that’s foreign to the newly dubbed Inspired – for short, Inspired by Somerset Development otherwise – which in addition to redeveloping the former 2 million-square-foot Bell Labs campus in Holmdel into the “metroburb” it is today, also successfully revamped the property’s image as Bell Works.

The rebrand, announced June 29, reflects the company’s innovative legacy, which “has allowed it to consistently create spaces that reimagine the possibilities of the built environment.”

According to the Holmdel-based company, Inspired reimagines, repositions and redevelops sites to improve quality of life, while also creating a sense of community, culture and place.

Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development, now Inspired by Somerset Development — Zucker

“With the launch of Inspired, we’re harnessing the lessons from our storied history, and building upon them for a new era of innovative and sustainable redevelopment. We will continue to direct our energy on creating places that truly inspire new ways to work, live, or foster togetherness,” said Founder and CEO Ralph Zucker in a statement.

The company said Inspired better reflects its ability to craft creative developments. Exemplifying those efforts are not one, but two large-scale former corporate telecom facilities the company has made over. There’s the aforementioned Bell Works and also Chicagoland in the Midwest: both evocative of the company’s “metroburb” concept, which brings a self-contained metropolis to suburban locales.

Chicagoland

Currently under construction, this second iteration of the Bell Works metroburb is being developed on the 150-acre former AT&T corporate campus in Hoffman Estates, Ill., and is set to include “its own ecosystem” of offices, shops and dining; event space; hospitality resources and residential offerings, according to Inspired.

And Inspired says it has eyes on bringing more metroburbs to fruition, now that it has a “successful blueprint” in place.

“We know that traditional development practices cannot fulfill the evolving needs of our workplaces, living spaces, or community hubs, which is why we’re actively on the hunt for underutilized properties throughout the country that need to be reimagined for the future,” Zucker added.

Inspired has been in business for 27 years, with capabilities that now cover development, management, construction and third-party consulting services. Take a closer look at some of the company’s other developments:

Westmont Station

In Wood-Ridge, Inspired partnered with NJ Transit to build a completely new train station that is now the centerpiece of a 70-acre Transit Oriented Development in the municipality. The site was a former brownfield adjacent to the train station that used to house the Curtiss-Wright airplane manufacturing factory. Following the redevelopment, the space can now host more than 1,500 townhomes and apartments in addition to retail and commercial accommodations.

Somerville Station

This transformative mixed-use property will surround the train station in the county seat of Somerset. Inspired said the property will include 14 apartment buildings and 156 townhomes, two parking garages, 4,000 square feet of retail space and a 2,600-square-foot community civic center. The effort is a collaboration NJ Transit, AvalonBay Communities and Pulte Homes.

“Inspired brings a calculated departure from the norm, generating genuine excitement where some may have thought to be impossible,” said Controller Mordechai Sidell in a statement, which speaks to the company’s efforts in Somerville. “Our company was formed around the concept of new urbanism — a development philosophy that promotes sustainable, walkable places — and collaboration has been the centerpiece of every one of our development initiatives. With this rebrand, we’re reaffirming our core mission and signaling our intent to share our methodology with municipalities throughout the U.S.”

Austin comms firm acquires Middletown company, launches NJ subsidiary

An Austin, Texas-based communications firm introduced a New Jersey subsidiary at Bell Works.

The Bliss Group launched NextTech Communications, formed through its acquisition of technology-focused Savarese Communications in Middletown, on Sept. 28.

Savarese Communications founder and Chief Executive Officer Janine Savarese will lead NextTech Communications as CEO and Cortney Stapleton, managing partner of The Bliss Group, will serve as chairwoman.

Stapleton said in a statement on the launch that her team will “sit at the center of understanding how to build and share stories that illustrate the power and value of technology across any industry.”

NextTech Communications will accelerate the value The Bliss Group provides to clients in realms of business and professional services, financial services, health care and technology-driven products and services, the announcement said.

Savarese joins The Bliss Group with more than two decades of experience in corporate communications, public relations and marketing. Prior to launching her own firm, Savarese served as the executive managing director of public affairs for New York University’s Stern School of Business, and has historically led campaigns for large brands such as Bank of America, Ameriprise, S&P Global, Nasdaq, Tupperware and Sprint. She also has experience working with startups.

She said she’s “thrilled” to launch NextTech Communications within The Bliss Group.

“Technology is the dynamic force behind business growth everywhere, yet most marketing around this shift is static,” Savarese said. “The Bliss Group’s unique data-driven approach, artful storytellers and comfort communicating within highly regulated industries gives NextTech Communications a unique platform to serve businesses looking for a new type of agency—one that not only uncovers the next market advantage but also propels change while driving business growth.”

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bell Works NJ welcomes new dining concept, Oink & Moo BBQ

Somerset Development said Aug. 31 it signed a lease with Oink and Moo BBQ & Burgers at Bell Works in Holmdel.

“We knew the Bell Works New Jersey campus was the perfect location for a second Oink and Moo as soon as we stepped inside,” said Joshua Sacks, co-owner of Oink and Moo. “We can’t wait to bring quality barbecue and burger menu items to the Metroburb, and are beyond excited to add something fresh to the variety of dining options available on The Block.”

Oink & Moo will officially open doors at the Metroburb in October and celebrate with a grand opening event to follow. Its menu offers classic barbecue dishes, and is created with a mix of styles from each region of the southern “Barbecue Belt.” Every meal is made from scratch using the finest ingredients.

Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. — Zucker

In addition to a restaurant, Oink and Moo at Bell Works will include offerings from The Market, including a selection of smoker grills, custom marinades, rubs, grill accessories and more, providing customers with the full Oink and Moo experience at home.

“We’re constantly seeking one-of-a-kind restaurants and retailers to add to Bell Works’ blooming ecosystem of business and culture,” said Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. “Oink and Moo BBQ & Burgers are not only available to those who work at the Metroburb, but to anyone looking for a vibrant, high-quality barbecue experience.”

To easily service Bell Works’ vibrant office community, Oink and Moo will also offer a mobile app for those working at the metroburb to order delivery, and promises the food’s arrival within 20 minutes.

Oink and Moo began in October 2020 as a partnership between Sacks and co-owner Kevin Trimarchi, who owns 22 West Tap & Grill in Bridgewater. Sacks began his catering business in 2011 and officially opened his first food truck in 2012, which won a number of culinary awards. In May 2021, Trimarchi opened Epic Cookies on Main Street in Somerville.

Somerset Development announces Bell Works’ new flexible workspace: Campus

Somerset Development on July 26 announced plans for Campus at Bell Works New Jersey, its flexible workspace solution.

Campus will occupy 72,000 square feet at the Holmdel metroburb, catering to the growing number of medium-sized businesses and enterprises in search of flexible, termed leasing solutions as teams return to the office. Workspaces will be fully furnished and fully wired, and offer businesses the ability to lease both small and large footprints, depending on the needs of their teams.

said Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. “For those businesses asking themselves ‘what do we do now?’ Campus presents a workspace solution allowing them to maintain flexibility with both their office footprint and their workforce as the business continues to evolve." — Zucker

“Over the next several months, many businesses will be faced with challenging decisions on how they can provide their employees with opportunities to return to the office while the realities of a post-pandemic world unfold in real-time,” said Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. “For those businesses asking themselves ‘what do we do now?’ Campus presents a workspace solution allowing them to maintain flexibility with both their office footprint and their workforce as the business continues to evolve.”

Campus is likely to attract companies that are pursuing a “hub-and-spoke model” – through which businesses maintain satellite offices surrounding their main headquarters locations – along with those that are introducing hybrid systems for working remotely and in person.

The workspaces at Campus provide the option for teams to maintain a physical location amid a thriving community, with seamless access to break-out rooms, conferencing facilities, and the host of retail and dining options on The Block at Bell Works. Campus tenants will also gain access to the various health and wellness options on The Block, including Bell Health, the Metroburb’s recently opened state-of-the-art medical complex featuring a mix of physicians and health care providers.

Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2021, Campus adds to the diverse array of workspace options at Bell Works, which range from customized, long-term private offices to pre-furnished, “ready-to-wear” suites to the newly expanded coLab at Bell Works — the metroburb’s coworking membership experience. The self-operated space offers shared and individual desks, dedicated solo offices and team suites through membership subscriptions.

Campus offers flexible workspace at Bell Works in Holmdel. – SOMERSET DEVELOPMENT

“Campus is part of our ongoing vision to offer high quality, beautifully designed workspaces for every potential need that companies might have,” said Tara Keating, vice president of The Garibaldi Group, Bell Works’ exclusive office leasing team. “It offers a solution for companies that are facing post-pandemic uncertainties, but still value a physical office that promotes collaboration and keeps employees happy.”

G3 Architects and Bell Works’ Creative Director Paola Zamudio, and her team at NPZ Style & Décor, collaborated on the design for the new workspaces. Campus’s interior design elements will reflect the focus on a human-centric approach applied to every environment at Bell Works. Workspaces at Campus will also feature unique, sustainable and biophilic elements, including renewable selections, repurposed materials, the use of LED and natural lighting, and indoor plants.

Campus Bell Works maintains increased safety measures in response to the COVID-19 crisis, including extra cleaning crew support for more frequent sanitization of the space, upgraded air filtration and fresh air intake, touchless technology throughout and increased spacing between each of the workspaces. These measures support its “Stop the Spread” initiative, which includes following Bell Works’ “house rules” to help promote social distancing and more, while still maintaining a collaborative environment.

Bell Works celebrates grand opening of Bar Bella, metroburb’s new roof deck bar

Somerset Development officially celebrated the opening of Bar Bella, a modern outdoor bar located on Bell Works New Jersey’s expansive roof deck in Holmdel.

A grand opening party was held on May 13, and Bar Bella now welcomes visitors to stop by the metroburb to enjoy a cocktail and experience the latest addition to its buzzing community.

Designed by Bell Works’ Creative Director Paola Zamudio and her team at NPZ Style+Decor, Bar Bella is evocative of a coastal Italian getaway, featuring an array of seating options, greenery and fire pits for chilly evenings. Guests can also order from the diverse eateries on The Block, Bell Works’ ground-floor “pedestrian street.”

Rooftop offering Bar Bella at Bell Works in Holmdel. -NPZ

“As more people return to the office and spring comes into full swing, it’s the perfect time to introduce a new outdoor destination for the metroburb and surrounding community,” said Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. “We’re certain that Bar Bella is going to be a wonderful place to enjoy an after-work drink or a weekend celebration with friends in a one-of-a-kind setting.”

Bell Works partnered with Axelrod Performing Arts Center to offer live performances at Bar Bella all summer long, including artists such as Remember Jones, The Weeklings, and The Doo Wop Project. Visitors can access the full calendar of events and purchase tickets here.

“Bar Bella is a destination to enjoy summery drinks, vibey tunes and a beautiful atmosphere. We have curated a unique experience for the Bell Works community and beyond: a taste of paradise right in the heart of Holmdel,” said Zamudio. “Whether you are in the mood for a refreshing spritz or a cold craft beer, Bar Bella has what you need to enjoy an evening al fresco, surrounded by nature and within the architectural masterpiece that is Bell Works. Come see it for yourself— salut!”

The bar will be open Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. — so Bell Works Fresh market-goers can enjoy a refreshing sip al fresco after shopping with local vendors — and Thursdays through Saturdays from 4 p.m.to 10 p.m.

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