The nation’s very first outdoor mall is slated for demolition. Liberty Village, located in Flemington, New Jersey, represents the first outdoor mall ever constructed in the country. It will be replaced by a multi-site construction of townhomes with multiple uses.
Construction is expected to begin over the next few weeks. There is still one store that remains, but it is a standalone building, which houses the Polo Ralph Lauren retail outlet.
When it was originally constructed in the early ’80s, Liberty Village was truly a destination point for residents seeking a multi-site retail location where they could shop all day long in one spot. Customers would come from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The redevelopment plan includes 10 lots of about 23 acres.
The Flemington Borough officials declared the property in need of redevelopment back in December 2021, which they thought could accommodate a performing arts center, offices, museums, and restaurants.
The developer is expecting to construct 164 townhomes, three group homes and a series of apartments.
The developer expects that veterans and individuals with developmental disabilities will occupy some of the group homes. In addition, the developer will also construct 27 low-income housing units.