Mill Creek Residential Breaks Ground on 575-Unit Modera Garden State Plaza Mixed-Use Development in Paramus, NJ

PARAMUS, N.J. — Mill Creek Residential has broken ground on Modera Garden State Plaza, a 575-unit mixed-use residential development situated within the Westfield Garden State Plaza town center in Bergen County, N.J. The project, announced April 30, 2026, will include 48,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space spread across two separately branded residential buildings, with first move-ins anticipated for mid-2028.

Project Overview and Retail Component

Located at One Garden State Plaza Boulevard, the Modera Garden State Plaza development will be composed of curated shops, experiential retail and dining options occupying the ground-floor retail space across both buildings. The 48,000 square feet of retail space is designed to complement the broader Westfield Garden State Plaza mall, which is home to national retailers, high-end fashion outlets and a variety of dining options.

Mill Creek Residential is serving as a co-developer on the project, which represents the first phase of redevelopment at Westfield Garden State Plaza. The development is part of a broader effort to transform the site into a mixed-use destination that integrates residential, retail and public green space.

"We are excited to serve as a co-developer of the landmark Modera Garden State Plaza, the first piece of redevelopment at Westfield Garden State Plaza, which is transforming the area into a truly vibrant mixed-use destination," said Doug Arsham, executive managing director of development for Mill Creek Residential.

Development Details and Amenities

The Modera Garden State Plaza development will offer studio, one- and two-bedroom homes with select den layouts and private patios or balconies. Community amenities will include a rooftop deck, resort-style swimming pool, sauna, outdoor kitchen and dining space, grilling areas, fire pits, landscaped courtyards, a resident clubhouse, coffee bar, game room, pool table and a club-quality fitness center with cardio equipment and group fitness areas.

Residents will also have access to coworking spaces, private workstations, a conference room, digital package lockers, controlled-access garage parking, EV-charging stations, bike storage, a bike repair station and additional storage space. The community is built to, and is pursuing, LEED Gold Certification.

Home interiors will feature nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows, wood-style plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tile backsplashes, custom soft-close cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting, movable kitchen islands with storage, large closets and in-home washers and dryers. Smart home features will include key fob access, controlled-access guest technology, programmable thermostats, smart leak detection and bulk WiFi. Designer bathrooms will feature double vanities, backlit mirrors, soaking tubs and tile tub/shower surrounds.

Location and Connectivity

The Paramus site provides direct access to key regional thoroughfares, including Route 4, Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway, and is less than 10 miles from MetLife Stadium. The community is designed to provide residents with direct access to the multifaceted lifestyle options within Westfield Garden State Plaza.

"In addition to the vast retail options and residential space, the newly constructed green spaces and enhanced connectivity options to the mall make the area even more compelling for residents and visitors alike," said Chris Holliday, vice president of development in New Jersey for Mill Creek Residential. "We look forward to working on this genuinely unique community."

Additional Context

No financial terms, including construction costs or financing details, were disclosed in connection with the groundbreaking announcement. Mill Creek Residential describes itself as a developer, owner-operator and investment manager specializing in rental housing across the United States.