Deugen Development, LLC (Deugen), a full-service commercial real estate development and construction firm, has finalized construction of 104 Baker, a 25,000 SF Class-A mixed-use building strategically situated in the historic downtown section of Maplewood, N.J. The newly constructed property marks delivery of 11 upscale apartment-rental units and 3,737 SF of ground-floor retail space to the transit-friendly Lower Essex County township.
“The infill redevelopment of this former gas station resulted in the delivery of a high-quality, upscale property offering immediate-neighborhood access to a transit-friendly, vibrant downtown district,” said Eric Gormeley, Deugen’s chief executive officer. “Pride in our craft is rooted in delivering exceptional service and construction that retains long-term curb appeal and property performance while also enhancing the immediate neighborhood. We are pleased with 104 Baker’s end product, which was made possible by a close public official/private developer collaboration.”
Strategically situated near the high-identity intersection of Baker Street and Maplewood Avenue, 104 Baker is within a five-minute walk of Maplewood Train Station’s one-seat direct rail service to New York City.
Currently in the lease-up phase, the eight two-bedroom and three one-bedroom open-concept apartments offer an array of high-end designer finishes. These include kitchens with energy-efficient stainless-steel appliances and quartz countertops, softwood luxury vinyl flooring, oversized Pella windows with custom coverings offering abundant light, central air conditioning and in-unit washers/dryers. On-premises parking, electric car-charging stations and a unique indoor/outdoor rooftop terrace are among the community amenities.
Designed by UHL Architecture in Orange, N.J., 104 Baker invokes modern elements with subtle historic characteristics that appeal to today’s tenant base. Offering a series of recesses, the exterior façade has an extended enclosure that provides additional light, air and dimensional relief. The property’s modern two-tone light brick and wood plank-siding façade mirror the neighborhood’s historic character with an overall linear pattern that enhances and complements surrounding buildings.
“From the pre-development planning phase right through to the final touches, our entire team worked in close collaboration with the Maplewood Village Alliance to ensure 104 Baker reflects and honors the current streetscape while extending the vibrant sight lines of the neighborhood,” said Josh Sternberg, principal of Iron Ore Properties, which partnered with Deugen on the project. “We were able to partner with and incorporate the alliance’s feedback to successfully deliver Maplewood’s newest residential and retail lifestyle center to enhance Maplewood’s iconic city center.”
Alternatively known as “the village” or “Maplewood Center,” the downtown district is peppered with upscale and mid-scale restaurants, a small supermarket, independent cafés, a bookstore and other lifestyle services and offerings. In 2015, Maplewood was named New Jersey Monthly Magazine’s “Downtown Showdown,” recognized for the municipality’s eclectic boutiques, art galleries and notable restaurants. The commercial district is at the core of this pedestrian-friendly, transit-centric municipality.
Just 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, this high-population-density township is at the crossroads of an extensive mass transit and highway-infrastructure network. Connectivity offerings include NJ Transit rail and bus service as well as access to I-78 and Routes 24 and 124, connecting to I-95/New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.
Established in 2011, Deugen Development is a fully integrated, privately held commercial real estate development and construction firm offering a full scope of design-build, planning, construction and in-house brokerage services. The company’s portfolio includes acquisition and value-add projects in the retail, multifamily, commercial and industrial sectors across New Jersey. Subscribing to a hands-on, client-centered approach to development, Deugen Development is committed to enhancing the communities in which its development and redevelopment projects are located with innovative design, historical preservation and economic development.
