Bell Works Set to Welcome 15 New Companies to Iconic ‘Metroburb’

Ralph Zucker's bet on Bell Works continues to pay off, as office space at the former Bell Labs building in Holmdel, NJ is now more than 80-percent leased.

Bell Works, Holmdel, NJ, in a night rendering

HOLMDEL, NJ—Somerset Development has signed fifteen new office leases at Bell Works, the successful revitalization of the two-million-square-foot Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, NJ. The latest office users to join the mixed-use ‘metroburb’ – a self-contained metropolis in a suburban locale – further boost the successful transformation of the historic landmark into a popular destination to work, shop, dine, stay, entertain, and more.

“Bell Works continues to generate incredible leasing interest, having emerged as the preeminent commercial venue in the region – and one of the most compelling mixed-use environments in the country,” says Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. “Each new company adds its own sense of vitality to the Bell Works community, not only among fellow office-based businesses, but to the long list of retailers, restaurants, and other attractions that make Bell Works a truly unique destination.”

Somerset Development was represented in each of the transactions by The Garibaldi Group’s president Jeff Garibaldi, vice president Tara Keating and vice president Kyle Mahoney—its exclusive team of office leasing agents. The new tenants will occupy more than 48,000 square feet of the mixed-use metroburb.

New office tenants at Bell Works are:

“We’re thrilled with the continued leasing demand at Bell Works and are excited to welcome a series of new tenants to the unique and collaborative community we’ve created at this increasingly dynamic metroburb,” says Jeff Garibaldi. “The office environment here is unlike any other in New Jersey, and its unique combination of modern office space, urban-style shopping and chic dining continues to attract a diverse mix of businesses to the building.”

Bell Works’ quarter-mile long atrium has been reimagined into a publicly accessible destination for shops, restaurants, healthcare, community services, and more. Today, Bell Works’ tenants and visitors alike can take advantage of the convenient retail options popping up on the pedestrian street. Recent openings like Salon Concrete, a hair salon offering professional cut, color and styling for men and women, and City Barn Country Penthouse, a boutique offering home, bed, bath and other gift items, have officially opened their doors to customers.

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.

Soon, even more dining will join the pedestrian street including Mexican restaurant Estrella Azul, and sister restaurant Mezza Luna, who will offer classic Italian fare. They will be accompanied by popular chain The Hummus & Pita Co., whose menu offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

Later this year, additional retailers will be open for business at the metroburb, including: Dimension Dental, a premier dental support organization; OceanFirst Bank, a community bank offering commercial and residential financing solutions; Alchemist Jewelers, a fine jewelry boutique; Holmdel Florist, a shop offering beautiful floral arrangements for any occasion; and, The Bar Method, a popular exercise boutique offering specialized barre classes and group fitness.

Somerset Development has completed construction on a 40,000 square-foot conference and event space. Meanwhile, the rooftop of the building will soon house a 186-room hotel along with a restaurant, bar, lounge area and infinity pool. Earlier in September, Two Roads Hospitality, a leading national hospitality group, was tapped to serve as hotel and conference space operator at Bell Works.

With the addition of the new office tenants and retail options, Bell Works, formerly the historic Bell Labs research facility, is continuing its dramatic transformation into what Ralph Zucker has dubbed a ‘metroburb’—a self-contained urban environment in a highly livable suburban locale. The building continues to experience incredible leasing momentum with more than 80 percent of office space and just over 40 percent of retail space leased. Today, the building welcomes over 3,500 workers daily, as well as regular visitors interested in shopping, dining or perusing the weekly Farmers Market. Also, a popular destination for Holmdel residents, Bell Works is home to the brand new Holmdel Library and Learning Center as well as the Holmdel Montessori school.

Originally constructed between 1962 and 1964 by world-renowned modernist architect Eero Saarinen, the building is revered for its role in spurring the development of some of the world’s foremost inventions and research concepts. In its 40-plus year history as the research headquarters for Bell Laboratories, Lucent, and Alcatel-Lucent, the building housed a total of seven Nobel Prize winners, including those who conceived theories for the laser, the Big Bang theory, cellular technology, the transistor, and more.

Situated along Crawfords Corner Road, Bell Works is approximately one mile from Exit 114 of the Garden State Parkway. Its central New Jersey location provides easy access to points north and south.

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