South Jersey mall to undergo redevelopment with new townhomes, retail spaces, and additional amenities planned.
The former Echelon Mall in Voorhees, New Jersey, is set for a significant transformation following a prolonged seven-year redevelopment effort. The township committee of Voorhees recently granted unanimous approval for a comprehensive plan proposed by Hoboken Brownstone Co. The 200,000-square-foot project aims to establish a blend of residential, commercial, and community spaces on the property, which has long been in decline since its rebranding as Voorhees Town Center in 2008.
Under the new development plan, more than 200 market-rate townhouses will be built, along with over 100 units designated for affordable housing. This initiative will encompass both for-sale townhouses and rental apartments, responding to the growing demand for diverse housing options in the region. Additionally, the project will introduce 38,000 square feet of new commercial and entertainment venues, supplemented by a parking structure that will accommodate at least 1,300 vehicles. Outdoor spaces and bike paths are also integral components of the redevelopment, alongside a substantial 30,000-square-foot community center that will be donated by the developer.
Though township officials declined to provide a specific financial estimate for the project, Mayor Michael Mignogna expressed optimism about the economic benefits of the redevelopment. He described it as “a transformational public-private partnership” that represents a gradual strategy, with commercial elements slated for completion in the later phases. To aid in balancing redevelopment expenses and maintain municipal services, the project will implement payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT), which are expected to generate millions in revenue for the township.
Historically, Echelon Mall, once New Jersey’s second-largest shopping center, has seen significant declines over the years. Built on the site of a former airfield in 1970, it originally thrived, but lost key anchor stores like Sears and JCPenney in the early 2000s. Following several ownership changes and a series of closures, the mall reached a tipping point, with remaining businesses describing the atmosphere as increasingly desolate. A two-alarm fire in April 2024 necessitated the mall’s closure, further complicating the redevelopment process.
The revitalization of Echelon Mall is representative of broader trends in South Jersey, where several malls are undergoing transformations into mixed-use developments. Other notable projects include the Moorestown Mall, which is being repurposed to include apartments and entertainment facilities, and the site of the former Burlington Center mall, transitioning into a multifaceted commercial and residential area.
The impending redevelopment of the Echelon Mall is thus a key component in a shifting retail landscape, aiming to restore vitality and leverage community enhancement while addressing housing shortages in the region.
