I hope you’re having a great summer. Today, I want to update you on a few projects in town. Let’s start with the most obvious, the new Inspira Medical Center of Mullica Hill.
We’ve seen the evolution over the last 18 months, and they are on track for their targeted mid-November 2019 opening of the main hospital building. The cancer center building will follow a couple months later, with its big day in January of 2020.
The entry boulevard to the hospital, which will include a new traffic light on Rt. 322, will provide access to the hospital campus on the right and the Rowan West Campus turf fields on the left. The traffic signal will be operational for the November opening and it should be noted that this road will eventually be extended to connect to Ellis Mill Road in Glassboro to serve as a productive connective road for the region.
Staying in the West Campus area, GoBrands (google them for background) was granted their final approval for a 300,000 square foot facility on the same side of Rt. 322 as the hospital, but tucked in the opposite corner behind the turf fields. This site will serve as the data analytics and research headquarters for the expanding Philadelphia-based company; as well as a warehouse facility.
With the Main Street bridge replacement complete, soon you’ll notice construction of a retention wall on the hill near the pond as it turns up toward Main Street, across from the Old Mill. This is the final stage of the sidewalk program that began last year.
In addition to the wall, this phase will include a sidewalk connecting the bridge at the pond to Main Street. You’ll recall that all of these sidewalk improvements are part of a $750,000 office-site program totally paid for by the developer who completed the renovations at Mullica West Apartments.
Speaking of the pond, you gotta love our new fountain, right? Beyond the aesthetic value, the fountain’s aerator is improving the circulation and overall health of the pond.
In case you’ve been too busy to notice, the bar at Naples is open! That part of their operation went live, permanently, a couple of weeks ago. Check out the new expansion of the building with the beautiful new motif, menu and vast selection of libations. It’s been a long time coming, but Mullica Hill has its own watering hole on Main Street.
Look for dirt to finally get moving on the new Dunkin’ on the north end of Rt. 45, as they have received their final approvals from the N.J. Department of Transportation.
Finally, blueplate. We are all excited to see the re-construction of the building begin recently. The blueplate has long been one of the pillars of our Main Street business district. I can’t wait to feast on my favorite signature dishes again, like eggs antoinette for breakfast, a turkey waldorf sandwich mid-day and Mr. Jim Malaby’s roasted pork tenderloin, with a side of old-world pasta for dinner. Your mouth watering? Look for the grand re-opening sometime in September.
