Open Space, Apartment Complex Coming To Metuchen’s Gulton Property

METUCHEN, NJ – The 22-acre Gulton property located on Durham Avenue will now be transformed.

On Wednesday, Mayor Jonathan M Busch held a press conference announcing the next steps in the progress to transform the former factory site.

The current building on site will be demolished to make way for new apartments while adding more acreage and unrestricted access to the Peter J Barnes III Wildlife Preserve.

“For over a century, these warehouses have blocked our access and view to Metuchen’s largest section of open space and our most beautiful natural asset for passive recreation,” Busch said.

“This demolition symbolizes our community's collective vision of transforming a property's industrial and warehouse legacy of vacant buildings and lost potential into one that is creating a true community benefit built upon resilience, rehabilitation and redevelopment.”

The open space will become part of the Peter J Barnes III Wildlife Preserve and the developers have spent $10 million to clean up the land and plant over 3000 native tree species.

Residents will have access to over 30 acres of the new open space, which will include boardwalk trails, a footbridge for walking over the brook, a birdwatching tower, trails for biking, hiking, strolling and more.

The Preserve will be managed by Middlesex County, Busch said. “With all this in mind, there is no doubt that this space will become a regular stop for people of all ages and abilities,” the Mayor said.

Meanwhile, Klein Enterprises will be constructing upscale apartments on a portion of the Gulton property.

Matthew Allen, Director of Development for Klein Enterprises said the company worked with Borough and County officials to establish a redevelopment plan that meets two primary objectives — to preserve a portion of the property as a gateway to a new recreational area and redeveloped the balance property keeping in mind the character of the community and incorporating green building elements.

“The project will preserve approximately 18.7 additional acres, which is over 70 percent of this property,” Allen said.

The remaining 7.4 acres will be redeveloped with a new building consisting of 272 apartment units, out of which 15 percent has been earmarked for affordable housing requirements, Allen said.

The modern apartment building will include luxury finishes, game rooms, co- working spaces, a fitness center, rooftop lounge, saltwater pool, outdoor entertaining areas and more.

Demolition of the buildings on site will begin in spring and continue into the summer.

Ground-breaking on the proposed improvements is expected to take place this fall. Work on the project will take around two years and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.

The property was designated as an area in need or redevelopment in the Gulton Tract Development Plan.

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