MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — SJC Ventures, a privately held, mixed-use commercial real estate and retail development firm, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for Montgomery Promenade, a Whole Foods-anchored shopping center coming to Montgomery Township, N.J. in 2025. The undeveloped parcel located on Route 206 at 1200 State Road has sat vacant for more than 15 years.
“This has absolutely been a testament to the perseverance, determination and vision of all those here and many others who have supported this and brought it to this place where we are today,” said Jeff Garrison, principal at SJC Ventures. “It’s important to recognize that past challenges have forged this into a better project for the community and represents better improvements, including upgraded storm sewer and filtration, EV car charging in the parking lot and the most recent advances in traffic and infrastructure improvements. The end result is an amazing infrastructure and design that is going to benefit the lives of all those who live here and travel through here.”
The future 292,700-square-foot center will sit on a 54-acre site and feature palisades for walking, dedicated open green spaces, outdoor dining and first-to-market restaurants.
“We want to give special thanks to our anchor tenant Whole Foods Market,” said Garrison. “You need a partner that recognizes that the right approach takes time. Not only are they great partners in that regard, but they also provide the best in design, access and visibility, and that’s important to the shopping experience.”
Anchored by a Whole Foods Market grocery store, the two-phase project already has several confirmed tenants, including an 11,000-square-foot Ulta, Panera Bread, Iron Whale, The Robinson Ale House, Dor L’ Dor NYC, Turning Point Restaurants, More Than Q, European Wax Center, Spavia and Norman’s Hallmark.
“We’re thrilled to have two great concepts from the McLoone’s Group with Iron Whale and Robinson Ale House that will take about 15,000 square feet and both spaces will be fronting a fantastic promenade and patio area immediately adjacent to the roundabout on Nevius. which will cut through the project,” said Justin Latone, senior vice president of leasing for SJC Ventures. “It will provide the exact vision that we have for this project, which is people sitting outside and enjoying outdoor spaces and cross-shopping throughout the project.”
Three new retail leases are expected to be announced in the next 60 days, with five more before the end of the year.
Attendees heard from Jeff Garrison, Justin Latone and Sean MacLaurin from SJC Ventures, and Mayor Devra Keenan. The ceremony included light bites and drinks, as well as a commemorative soil throw.
“It’s important to take a moment to recognize all of those people who have poured their hearts and souls into this project, from the Montgomerytownship engineers, planners, committee members, attorneys and environmentalists,” said Sean MacLaurin, senior vice president of development for SJC Ventures. “The town and its staff have done a great job making sure this project will be something this town can be proud of for generations with a very thoughtful process here. There are so many people who have touched this project and made it what it is today, which is more than just a construction project. This is going to transform and become a sustainable part of this community going forward.”
The center is currently seeking high-end shops, services and additional dining options to round out the tenant lineup. For leasing inquiries, please contact Tina Howard, senior leasing director for SJC Ventures, at 404-375-5626 or tina@sjcventures.com.
Montgomery Promenade is expected to welcome its first openings in 2025.
About SJC Ventures
Founded in 2007, SJC Ventures is a privately held, mixed-use commercial real estate and retail development firm. The company has acquired and developed more than 60 retail, mixed-use, multifamily and office projects throughout the continental U.S. The company is headquartered in Georgia. For more information, visit SJCVentures.com.
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[Photo attached from left to right: Lou March, March Construction; Sean MacLaurin, SJC Ventures; Jeff Garrsion, SJC Ventures; Mayor Devra Keenan; Dave Campeas, Montgomery Township Planning Board; Mark Herrmann, Montgomery Township Engineer; Tina Howard, SJC Ventures; Justin Latone, SJC Ventures]
