Tenants Eyeing Rebuilt Retail Space on Route 18

A rebuilt three store strip mall on Route 18 is looking for tenants.

The building, located in front of the East Brunswick Square Mall, was home to Planet Bike, Asian Nails and United Check Cashing before a fire destroyed it on Feb. 2.

While the three tenants have all relocated, Lou Trenta of Realty World America, said a jewelry store has already moved in and there has been a lot of interest in the two remaining store fronts.

“He’s pretty diversified,” Trenta said about the jewelry store. “He sells gold, jewelry, diamonds, and he’s very happy to be in the store, and we’re working on a couple of other clients for the balance. Maybe one will be done in the next few weeks.”

Trenta said one appealing feature of the location is it’s proximity to the highway.

“That particular spot has been rebuilt, but has been grandfathered in, because they would never let you put a building that close to highway again,” he said.

However, while the site and approvals are old, everything inside is new. Heating, cooling and electrical work were all part of the renovations. In addition, tenants have a large basement to use for storage.

“It’s a big beautiful structure,” he said. “It looks good from highway and lends itself to north and southbound traffic.“

However, one problem he may encounter is the number of retailers who are looking for deals. He said that with the amount of available retail on Route 18, business owners will probably be able to find something a little cheaper, but in a location that is not perfect.

"Tenants who have been looking at at us, they're all looking for a deal. The problem is, there may be people on (Route) 18) who will give them a deal," he said. "But like they used to say, it's about location, location, location. You could have the worst location and the cheapest rent, and I don't care how cheap the rent is, if it doesn't bring people in then why bother."

Anyone interested in renting space in the development should call Trenta at 1-800 541-1999.