The Business of Building Bridgewater Commons
In the 1960s, Bridgewater Township set the stage for one of New Jersey‘s largest commercial projects.
The township’s redevelopment agency combined various parcels of land, labeling the entire area as blighted to facilitate the sale to a single developer.
This decision paved the way for a major retail and commercial hub. Initially, the project carried the working name Golden Triangle Mall, reflecting its intended shape and strategic location.
By 1974, planners had rebranded the development as Bridgewater Commons, aligning it with the township’s identity and signaling its role as a regional destination.
Years passed before real momentum picked up. In 1985, the township signed a contract with The Hahn Company, a California-based real estate firm specializing in shopping mall development.
Shortly after, Prudential Real Estate Investors, a division of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, joined the venture, bringing financial muscle to the deal.
The collaboration ensured that Bridgewater Commons would be more than just another suburban mall—it was designed as a full-scale commercial district with retail, dining, and office space built into its long-term vision.
Retail giants were quick to take notice. In 1986, R.H. Macy & Co. announced plans to open a Macy’s store in the mall, scrapping earlier intentions to launch under the Bamberger’s brand.
This decision came as Macy’s phased out the Bamberger’s name across the region, consolidating its identity under one banner. Other key retailers soon signed on, helping define the mall’s original mix of stores.
Decades later, this mall remains a focal point of shopping and entertainment, offering some of the best things to do in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
The Grand Opening and Early Success
By early 1988, Bridgewater Commons was ready to open its doors. The mall officially debuted on February 24, 1988, but shoppers got an early taste when Hahnes opened on February 13, followed by Macy’s on February 14.
The lineup of anchor stores—Macy’s, Hahnes, and Stern’s—set the tone for a retail destination designed to attract customers from across Somerset County and beyond.
Retailers quickly filled the mall’s 900,000 square feet of leasable space. By June 18, 1988, The Disney Store opened, making history as the first location outside of California.
The store introduced shoppers to Disney merchandise in a way they had never seen before—an immersive retail experience that blended shopping with entertainment.
Change came fast in those early years. On October 18, 1989, Hahnes rebranded as Lord & Taylor, reflecting shifts in ownership and retail trends.
The new name brought a fresh appeal to the department store space, drawing in shoppers looking for upscale fashion.
Expansion and Business Growth
As the mall gained popularity, developers looked for ways to expand its footprint.
In 1991, a plan emerged to add two eight-story office buildings, bringing in an additional 578,000 square feet of office space.
The project also included a 300-room hotel, part of a broader push to position the area as more than just a retail hub.
The hotel vision took time to materialize, but by 2000, construction was underway on what would become the Bridgewater Marriott Hotel.
With 347 rooms, the hotel catered to business travelers and visitors attending corporate events in the area.
By the time the office towers opened, they housed tenants like Brother Industries and Sanofi-Aventis, strengthening the mall’s position as a mixed-use commercial center.
Retail development didn’t stop there. On September 23, 2006, Bridgewater Commons introduced The Village at Bridgewater Commons, a 94,000-square-foot lifestyle center designed to complement the main mall.
Anchored by Crate & Barrel and Maggiano’s Little Italy, The Village brought an open-air shopping experience that catered to changing consumer preferences.
Food and entertainment became an increasing focus. The food court underwent a major renovation, reopening in November 2008 with a refreshed design and updated dining options.
By 2010, Bridgewater Commons attracted new names, with The Cheesecake Factory opening in August and both AMC Theatres and California Pizza Kitchen launching in November.
The mall was evolving into a full-service destination for dining and entertainment.
Retail Shifts and Community Initiatives
Bridgewater Commons adapted to changing retail trends while maintaining a presence in the local community.
One early move toward modernization came in 1993 when the mall became one of the first in New Jersey to implement a smoking ban.
At the time, fewer than 20% of malls nationwide had prohibited smoking, making this a forward-thinking policy that aligned with evolving public health standards.
Health and wellness programs also became a priority. Since opening, Somerset Medical Center has partnered with the mall to launch the HealthHike walking program.
This initiative allows participants to walk inside the climate-controlled shopping center before regular hours, providing a safe and convenient space for exercise.
Walkers can sign up for name tags granting early access and attend monthly health discussions held from October through June.
New Openings, Closures, and Redevelopment
Retail shifts became more frequent in the 2010s, reflecting broader changes in the industry.
On May 1, 2015, Shake Shack opened its first Central New Jersey location in The Village, replacing Coldwater Creek. The move signaled a growing demand for fast-casual dining options in the area.
Other restaurants followed. On November 23, 2016, Redstone American Grill opened next to California Pizza Kitchen, adding a new full-service dining option.
A year later, on October 19, 2017, Cava moved into The Village, taking over the former Brooks Brothers space and bringing Mediterranean flavors to the shopping complex.
However, closures also became part of the landscape. In January 2019, McCormick & Schmick’s shut down after its lease expired, making way for new tenants.
By February 25, 2020, Uncle Julio’s opened in its place, marking the Mexican chain’s first location in New Jersey.
The loss of Lord & Taylor in 2020 marked a major shift for Bridgewater Commons. The company announced a full liquidation of its stores, leaving a large retail space vacant.
In November 2021, Crate & Barrel also departed, opting not to renew its lease at The Village.
In response, township officials approved a zoning change in December 2022, aiming to attract entertainment-focused businesses like Topgolf or Dave & Buster’s to the former Lord & Taylor site.
Meanwhile, Pacific Retail Capital Partners took over ownership of Bridgewater Commons in May 2023, outlining plans to transform the property into a mixed-use development with expanded entertainment, retail, and office spaces.
In June 2024, Fogo de Chão opened, adding a Brazilian steakhouse to the mall’s dining selection.
In December 2024, The Village at Bridgewater Commons announced the addition of four new tenants, totaling nearly 8,500 square feet, bringing the open-air center to nearly full occupancy.
These newcomers are set to enhance the shopping and dining experience:
- Club Champion: A golf club fitting service
- FACE FOUNDRIÉ: An all-inclusive facial bar
- Millburn Deli: A regional favorite known for its sandwiches and salads
- Pure Green: A cold-pressed juice bar
These additions will join recently opened eateries like Big Chicken, Sarku Japan, and DIG, as well as Summit Health, which began operations in November 2024.
The Village, which complements the main mall, continues to diversify its offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences.