Bridgewater Commons mall getting major renovation, new owner announces
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- The project includes a reimagined food court with new seating areas and a refreshed look for the mall’s interior.
- Renovations will begin this fall and are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.
- Township officials have expressed support for the investment, which avoids adding previously feared housing components.
BRIDGEWATER – For two years people have been wondering what the future of the Bridgewater Commons would be following its acquisition by Pacific Retail Capital Partners.
There were worries, given Pacific Retail Capital Partner’s past acquisitions of mall properties and a press release that the 1.2-million-square-foot Commons would become “a vibrant mixed-use destination,” that housing would be a part of the mall’s future, a concept township officials quickly and vehemently opposed.
Pacific Retail Capital Partners announced on Oct. 20 its first major change to the mall – a “reimagined” food court and a “refreshed” look to the three-level mall that opened 37 years ago.
Seating at the food court will be organized into sections, including “The Lounge” and a casual area called “The Little Lounge’ for children and families featuring, according to Pacific Retail Capital Partners’ press release, “unique furnishings and playful aesthetics.”
The food court will also have new interior landscaping, a new color scheme and artwork.
The “refresh” is intended “to brighten and enliven” the mall’s interior with updated lighting fixtures, updated interior landscaping and fresh paint and banisters throughout the center court, department store wings and the levels.
The work will begin this fall and will be completed in the second quarter of 2026. Pacific Retail Capital Partners anticipates minimal disruption to visitors.
“Bridgewater Commons has continued to strengthen its place as the dominant retail center for Somerset County,” stated Annmarie Plenge, chief creative officer at Pacific Retail Capital Partners. “Now we are giving our community an upgraded experience designed for their convenience and enjoyment, evolving it for the next generation of retail, dining and entertainment.”
The refresh is intended to update the mall which hasn’t changed much in nearly four decades.
“Bridgewater Commons was a pioneering center visually and logistically when it opened in 1988, with an open design and diverse tenant mix,” Plenge continued. “We are now building upon that legacy as evidenced by our leasing successes, while modernizing it for today’s consumers.”
The township welcomed the news.
“This is extremely exciting news for the Bridgewater community,” said Mayor Matthew Moench. “Bridgewater Commons is not just a place to shop; it’s at the economic and social core of our town. I’m thrilled that Pacific Retail Capital Partners recognizes the importance of preserving that identity and our overall community character. Their significant investment shows a commitment to thoughtful growth, and I personally can’t wait to bring my family to shop there.”
In the past two years Pacific Capital Partners has signed 87,000 square feet of leases to top retailers, restaurants and service providers, including Kendra Scott, Alo Yoga, Fogo de Chão, Miniso, Pop Mart, JD Sports, Millburn Deli, Club Champion, Big Chicken, Face Foundrié, Pure Green and Summit Medical.
“We acquired Bridgewater Commons with the intention of evolving an already dominant property into one of the top performing malls in all of New Jersey,” stated Steve Plenge, founder and CEO of Pacific Retail Capital Partners “After a highly successful two years highlighted by our many leasing wins, we’re ready to take the next step to reimagine this property to better align with consumers’ shopping, dining and entertainment needs.”
Brad Wadlow is a staff writer for MyCentralJersey.com
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