#USA #Adaptive Reuse #CopperWood #Peapack-Gladstone

CopperWood Senior Living's Groundbreaking Ceremony

On November 4, a monumental event is set to take place as CopperWood Senior Living, in conjunction with development partners Melillo Equities and PointsFive, will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at the historic Pfizer/Beneficial Finance campus in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey. This significant project, boasting a budget of approximately $200 million, will repurpose the former corporate campus into a luxury senior living community featuring 214 residences.

A Vision for Adaptive Reuse

CopperWood Senior Living embraces a unique concept in the realm of senior living: adaptive reuse. According to Joe Jedlowski, Chairman and CEO of Distinctive Living, the decision to convert an existing building, rather than starting from scratch, reflects a commitment to preserving the original architecture, which holds historical significance. He explains, "We started with a place that already had a soul. Working within an existing architecture of this quality is harder and slower than building new. We chose it anyway, because it will produce a community that could not be replicated on a cleared site."

Celebrating Community and History

The original campus, designed by Bob Hillier in 1979, is noted for its postmodern style and has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. Hillier himself will be speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the importance of creating spaces that foster community and comfort. He recalls discussions with Finn Caspersen, the CEO of Beneficial Finance, about designing an environment that was intimate and welcoming to the predominantly female workforce, indicating a forward-thinking approach that is still relevant today.

Sustainable Living at the Forefront

Part of the project’s appeal is its commitment to sustainability. The redevelopment will incorporate a ten-megawatt solar field that will generate clean energy, ensuring that the new community aligns with modern sustainability practices. Furthermore, the initiative aims to keep the existing structures out of landfills, contributing to a more eco-friendly approach to construction.

In addition to residential offerings, the campus will feature the Copper Chophouse restaurant, which is expected to become a culinary focal point for both residents and the broader community, engaging the public with its offerings. Walking trails within a preserved area will encourage outdoor activities, enhancing the lifestyle of residents.

Community Support and Anticipation

Local officials have expressed their excitement for the project. Mayor Mark A. Corigliano stated, “As Mayor of the Borough of Peapack and Gladstone, I am excited to welcome CopperWood Senior Living to the former Pfizer complex. Many of our older residents have expressed a desire to remain in the Borough in their senior years.” With the community's well-being in mind, CopperWood aims to provide a supportive home for older adults, offering independent and assisted living options, along with memory support services.

Anthony Melillo, Managing Partner of Melillo Equities and a local resident, conveyed his personal connection to the project, asserting that it deserved a future worthy of its historical past. "This campus has been part of our community for as long as many of us can remember,” he noted.

Kelly Adams, the Founding General Manager of CopperWood, remarked on the significance of opening this unique community, distinguishing it from others in the industry. “Opening a new community is some of the most rewarding work I have done, and CopperWood is unlike anything I have seen in my career.”

As the CopperWood Senior Living Leasing Center opens its doors at Gladstone, New Jersey, potential residents and families are encouraged to discover what this exceptional community has to offer. The transformative project is not just about building a senior living space; it’s about reimagining community while honoring the legacy of its site.

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