started construction

And another major anchor isn't far behind, reports Michael Gartenberg, director of leasing for the Short Hills, NJ-based Garden Commercial. Construction will start this fall for Wal-Mart, which will combine with Lowe's to occupy almost 300,000 sf, about equally divided between the two. The Wal-Mart is expected to open in the middle of next year.

"These are significant milestones in this development," Gartenberg says. "The opening of Lowe's and Longhorn are the first of several additional stores that we anticipate to open this fall. There is currently a limited amount of retail and office space available."

Rising on the former site of the Flemington Fairgrounds and Speedway at Routes 31 and 523 in this Hunterdon County community, Raritan Town Square has a reported price tag of $75 million. The finished product will include an entertainment and civic center, along with a central green space with walking paths.