After siting vacant for more than 5 years, AT&T's famous Bell Labs campus designed by architect Eero Saarinen will undergo a $100 million renovation aimed at creating a mixed-use center for Holmdel, New Jersey.
"Late last month, Somerset Development bought the mirrored glass building, completed in 1962, and its pastoral grounds from Alcatel-Lucent for $27 million after the Township of Holmdel approved an ambitious redevelopment proposal that includes plans for a health care center, residences, a hotel and retail space," reports Ronda Kaysen.
"The six-story building will house 50,000 square feet of retail space, the town library and a hotel. The grounds will have pedestrian trails, bike paths and, eventually, an outdoor sports complex. Part of the land is protected wetlands."
“It’s going to be a virtual city,” promised Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. “It is going to have so many uses there that it will have its own identity.”
FULL STORY: Future Takes Shape for Bell Labs Site
Remaking a Formerly State-of-the-Art Corporate Headquarters
Holmdel, New Jersey, was home to a huge, beautiful, and empty headquarters of the now defunct Bell Labs. Now the campus is home to tech startups, a library, and a host of other businesses.
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A developer in Holmdel, New Jersey sees promise in a building designed by Eero Saarinen to become a pedestrian-friendly town center. 'This place can be a great public realm."
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