Retirement Community Will Replace Ex-Garden Center In Cedar Grove

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Construction has kicked off at a new “full-service retirement community” in Cedar Grove.

Benchmark Senior Living recently announced that it has begun work at its new facility, which is located on the former site of the Cedar Grove Garden Center. The family-owned business closed its doors in March after serving the area for 75 years.

Here’s what is in store for the property, according to the company:

“Situated on five and a half acres, the 145,000-square-foot, four-story building will include 138 apartments with a range of sizes and floor plans. Distinct amenities will be available for each of the three care levels and will include multiple dining venues, a pub/bistro, arts and activities spaces, a sports lounge, two hair salons, a wellness center, numerous exterior courtyards designed for active and passive recreation and more.”

Pending licensure, the community will provide a wide range of on-site rental options, including independent living, personalized assisted living and memory care for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, Benchmark stated.

The new retirement community is expected to open in 2027, developers said.

Benchmark operates more than 65 senior living communities across eight states throughout the Northeast U.S. The Cedar Grove location will be Benchmark’s second in New Jersey: its first location, Benchmark at Scotch Plains, broke ground in January.

Benchmark at Cedar Grove is being developed in partnership with an institutional investor and co-developers, Claremont Development and March Development LLC, both in Morristown. Huntington National Bank provided the mortgage financing. Lantz-Boggio Architects of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is providing architectural services and Senior By Design of Dallas, Texas, will be interior designer on the project. Philadelphia-based IMC Construction, which is also building Benchmark at Scotch Plains, will serve as general contractor.

“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,” Benchmark founder and CEO Tom Grape said.

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