Designed by RMJM Architects, the 105,000-square-foot rehab center will offer 80 sub-acute care beds and 120 beds of long-term care. It will replace an existing 83-bed facility located at 79 Bayard Ln. in Princeton.

The sub-acute care unit is for patients recovering from surgery or prolonged illnesses that need specialized rehab services, while the long-term care portion will tend to patients who can no longer live at home. The two facilities will share a common kitchen and service areas, as well as an administration and a dialysis center.

The center is being designed to meet LEED standards. "We are delighted to be working on a construction project that will set a new standard for long-term care facilities as well as meet the sub-acute and long-term care needs of patients from the entire region," said Ronald Witt Sr., president and chief executive officer of Sweetwater, in a statement.In addition to the New Merwick Center, Windsor Health Care also operates facilities in Essex, Bergen and Middlesex counties.