The basics:

• Apartment leasing launched for 179-unit RT500 building at The Park in Berkeley Heights
• Boschetto joins the growing District Drive retail and dining lineup
• First residents expected to move in beginning in August
• The Park in Berkeley Heights continues $500M mixed-use transformation

The Park in Berkeley Heights has attracted several high-profile office occupiers over the course of its ongoing $500 million transformation from corporate park to a lifestyle destination. But perhaps the most prominent addition comes as residential leasing kicks off at RT500.

The main drag, District Drive, not only expands retail on the 185-acre campus, it introduces the first-ever multifamily units to the emerging mixed-use enclave. Along with a second RT Residences building due, the thoroughfare will include 160,000 square feet of commercial space.

The resort-driven and wellness-focused mindset that guided a rebrand of The Park’s office space carries over to the residential and retail spaces. And while The Connell Co. continues to introduce new concepts of its own to the Union County complex, The Park also recently unveiled other commercial operators joining the roster.

Among the latest, well-known Montclair restaurant Boschetto will expand on campus.

RT500

Leasing launched at RT500 in June. Managed by Greystar, the Round Table Residences-branded building stands 11 stories. The 179-unit mix also includes amenities such as a rooftop pool, fitness center, coworking space and more. According to the property manager, interest is high. Move-ins are anticipated to start in August.

“After opening our leasing office in June, we have seen strong interest in RT500,” Shane Connell shared with NJBIZ in a statement. “This reflects New Jersey’s demand for a residential community that offers an elevated lifestyle with access to high-quality amenities, dining, wellness, and entertainment all within walking distance.

“We’ve already secured several pre-leases and look forward to welcoming our first residents beginning Aug. 1.”

Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners designed the building in collaboration with David M. Sullivan Inc. Residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary finishes and a neutral palette.

A temporary leasing office operates inside the Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights, located at The Park, until construction is complete.

The Park’s second residential building, the 149-unit RT600, broke ground last fall.

Curated retail roster

Commenting on the progress at The Park in the spring, Connell said, “From the moment people step inside, they’ll be able to see how the residences, amenities and the surrounding community at The Park are coming together to create something truly special.”

He went on to describe RT500 as “unlike anything else in the area.”

Envisioned as connected community, The Park will also introduce bespoke concepts including Café Exchange, Dogtopia, Emberside Brewery, Rosa Azul, and BASH and its MODO Hi-Fi Listening Bar.

The expanding lineup offers a mix of entertainment, personal services and good eats, along with more than 1.5 million square feet of work-resort office space, a 176-key hotel, 112,000-square-foot Lifetime Fitness, Starbucks, Grain & Cane and Fieldhouse fitness.

District Drive previously announced occupiers such as Four Spoons Ice Cream Co., Doner Shack, Greatness Wins and Prime IV Hydration & Wellness.

Boschetto on the menu

Specializing in regional Italian cuisine, Boschetto will open its second location at The Park.

The Connell Co. described the addition as expanding the elevated dining destinations at the Berkeley Heights property.

The Boschetto restaurant at The District at The Park will occupy approximately 3,600 square feet with a 100-person capacity. The area along District Drive will establish a 60-acre downtown anchored by a walkable main street.

The new footprint nearly doubles Boschetto’s Montclair spot. Co-founder and CEO Robert Spina said they could not think of a better fit than The Park.

He touched on exactly the kind of high-touch, resort-style environment The Connell Co. has leaned into with its meticulous planning and execution.

“We looked at many sites before deciding to put a Boschetto here,” he said. “Nothing compares to the uniqueness of this location. The attention to detail and hospitality-forward DNA is evident in every aspect of this development. We look forward to many successful years here.”