Bell Works' quarter-mile long atrium has been reimagined into a publicly accessible destination for shops, restaurants, healthcare, community services and more.

HOLMDEL, NJ—Locally-based Somerset Development reports it has signed 16 new lease deals totaling approximately 48,000 square feet at the former Bell Laboratories complex here.

The firm's "Bell Works" project, a 2 -million-square-foot redevelopment of the former Bell Labs' complex, reached a significant milestone with the latest lease deals—roughly 1 million square feet of office space at the complex is now leased, including 90% of its "ready-to-wear" offices, which range from 500 square feet to 4,500 square feet.

Of the 16 new deals, the largest transaction was with national tax advisory firm CohnReznick, which signed an 18,993-square-foot lease at the property that Somerset Development describes as a "mixed-use metroburb."

"We are thrilled to welcome these 16 innovative companies to Bell Works, each of which will help add to the incredible vitality of the metroburb. Our office space (at the reimagined former Bell Labs building) is now almost fully leased, which serves as a testament to the exceptional growth we've seen in just the last few years," says Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development.

Each ready-to-wear office is custom designed by NPZ Style + Decor, led by Bell Works Design and Creative Director Paola Zamudio, to create a one-of-a-kind space that will inspire creativity and collaboration, Somerset officials state. Of the 16 recently signed office leases, 15 were signed for "ready-to-wear" space, and Somerset plans to dedicate additional square footage for these designed spaces in 2020.

Somerset Development was represented in each of the transactions by exclusive office leasing agents—The Garibaldi Group president Jeff Garibaldi, VP Tara Keating and broker support analyst Lindsey Florio.

"Bell Works provides a truly unique office environment and dynamic that is unrivaled in New Jersey and across the country," says Garibaldi. "Tenants continue to be drawn to its combination of modern office space and an abundance of modern amenities, including shopping, dining, fitness and entertainment options. We're proud to be part of the team that's helping shape a truly collaborative community at the metroburb."

Bell Works' quarter-mile long atrium has been reimagined into a publicly accessible destination for shops, restaurants, healthcare, community services, and more. Recent openings include OceanFirst Bank, a community bank offering commercial and residential financing solutions, wealth management, and deposit services; Dimension Dental, a premier dental support organization with a network of locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and City Barn | Country Penthouse, a boutique offering home, bed, bath, and other gift items, in addition to home design consultation services. Friction Design, a boutique real estate marketing firm specializing in mixed-use projects, was recently engaged by Somerset Development to help manage the ongoing and future retail marketing efforts for The Block at Bell Works.

Visitors and workers at Bell Works can also choose from a handful of dining options at the newly-opened Bell Market. Spearheaded by Richard and Chantelle Corbo of RBC Hospitality, the market features: Honeybell Bakery, baked goods and coffee; Broadfork, fresh made-to-order salads; Jozu, poke bowls and traditional sushi rolls; Bubz Deli, customizable subs and deli sandwiches; and Corbo & Sons Pizza, brick-oven baked pizza and bread. The Block at Bell Works additionally offers a wide variety of dining options, including: Mexican restaurant Estrella Azul; Italian restaurant Mezza Luna and The Hummus & Pita Co., offering homemade fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

The property will soon offer even more "play" to its live-work-play atmosphere and welcome three new entertainment venues. Joining The Block's growing roster are: Swing Loose, an indoor golf facility; Escapology, a real-life escape game experience; and OasisVRX, a state-of-the-art virtual reality center.

Further enhancing Bell Works' appeal will be the addition of a 186-room hotel on its rooftop.

Instant Insights /

16 New Office Tenants Sign Deals at Bell Works

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