WHIPPANY, NJ—Vision Real Estate Partners is bringing bike-sharing to the suburbs at its Crossings at Jefferson Park, in the Whippany section of Hanover Township. The company this month introduced an onsite B-cycle station, from which employees of tenants at the 525,000-square-foot office campus can rent bicycles by the hour.

VREP, in partnership with Rubenstein Partners, acquired The Crossings in 2013 and recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation and rebranding at the 115 South Jefferson Road property. As an integral part of the project, VREP created 1.2 miles of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure on the campus; it connects directly to Morris County Parks Commission's Patriots' Path. The bike share amenity and ample personal bike storage encourage the use of these alternative “roadways” for both recreation and as a commuting alternative.

“One of our main objectives was to create a work environment that promotes health, wellness, and sustainability,” says VREP's Sam Morreale, founder and managing partner. “As the push toward bikeable and walkable communities gains momentum in New Jersey and nationwide, we are proud to set an example of how real estate developers and owners can help to encourage 'green' transportation and reduced strain on local roadways. While bike sharing has become popular in cities, our program is, to our knowledge, the region's first of its kind in a suburban setting.”

Morreale says this is especially relevant in Hanover, which last year adopted a connectivity framework plan as part of the town's master plan. It links key locations with some new trails and segments of Patriots' Path. Its first phase will connect several commercial properties, including The Crossings and VREP's planned South Campus mixed-use development at 67 Whippany Road (which also will incorporate onsite bicycle and pedestrian paths), as well as the Morris County Library property and Frelinghuysen Arboretum.

The 65-acre Crossings campus, highlighted by rolling berms, mature trees and abundant landscaping, includes three class A office buildings. Easily accessible from routes 24 and 10 and I-287, it serves as home to JP Morgan Chase, Barclays Capital and Lord Abbett. The recent renovation project upgraded the property's accommodations and amenities, capitalizing on its existing enhanced electrical, HVAC and fiber infrastructure. As a highlight, VREP redeveloped the property's 150,000-square-foot 200 Building, which is being marketed for single-tenant occupancy and is expandable by up to 100,000 square feet. The partnership re-skinned the structure and created a new entry, lobby, fitness center, cafeteria and common areas.

Cushman & Wakefield is exclusive leasing agent for The Crossings at Jefferson Park.

Instant Insights /

Vision Real Estate Partners Brings Bike Sharing to the Suburbs

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