NEW JERSEY—Edison Village is West Orange has received phase I plan approval and is slated to begin construction this spring. The $230 million project will transform the Thomas Edison Invention Factory and Commerce Center into residential space. The Prism Capital Partners LLC project is the largest non-waterfront adaptive reuse redevelopment in the state.
Situated on 21 acres in West Orange Township’s Downtown Redevelopment Area, Edison Village began with demolition and site work in 2008. This fall, Prism received the go-ahead to move the project forward.
Built in 1913 by Thomas Edison, the existing factory complex served as a manufacturing operation where Edison employees produced storage batteries used in light delivery vehicles, automobiles, railroad signals, industrial applications and mining equipment.
Phase I of Edison Village involves the total renovation and reconstruction of that facility.
“The design, by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, takes advantage of existing architectural features to incorporate ceiling heights ranging from 14 to 16 ft. and 10-ft. windows that will let in abundant natural light,” said Edwin Cohen, principal partner, Prism.
Upon renovation completion, the residential property will contain 331 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom rental apartments ranging from 590 to 1,500 sq. ft. A fitness center, pool, storage, meeting rooms and doorman service are planned amenities. The project has also been created to meet LEED green building certification standards and will feature an urban landscape including parks and open green spaces.
Edison Village’s first phase also includes an 18,000-sq.-ft. retail component and a 630-car parking facility.