HADDON HEIGHTS - A "green" roof with a view, and an elevator to speed anyone’s trip topside, are two key features of a mixed commercial-residential building coming sometime in 2025 to the corner of Station Avenue and White Horse Pike.
The borough Land Use Board approved the site plan for Station Avenue Lofts in May, and Mayor Zachary Houck on Wednesday said the owners just told him their design is finalized.
Houck said September should see more progress. A 45-day period to appeal the board’s approval of the project expires Sept. 8. A final redevelopment agreement with the owners also should be ready for introduction at a Borough Council meeting next month, he said.
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Typically, developers prefer to hold off committing to construction and even demolition until the appeal period is over and until both sides ink a final development agreement. However, the mayor said, he believes demolition at least should start in September.
The buildings being removed are at 501 and 503 Station Avenue and date to 1930 and 1940, respectively. They are the closest buildings to the northwest corner of intersection.
“I’m excited because this property is going to check a number of boxes and needs,” Houck said.
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Houck said the project adds “a vibrant, welcoming look” to what is a main entrance to the business and historic districts. The hope is that the pair of ground-floor commercial spaces get taken by businesses that would be a special draw to both non-residents and residents, he said.
The three-story building will fit into the footprint of the existing buildings and have 16,977 square feet in total. Twelve apartments will be split between the upper floors. Two of the 12 apartments will be offered at affordable housing rates, and the entire building will be compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, according to co-developer Anthony Gioielli.
“One of my goals is to attract young, maybe newly married, couples,” Houck said. The apartments should be in the cost range of young couples along with proximity to the business district with its brewery and gym, he said.
Houck said the building will have an elevator, making it the only one in town other than the Stanfill Towers, a senior citizen apartment building. That should be an attractive feature for older tenants, he said.
Tenants and commercial customers will have access to a roof deck, which itself is a first in Haddon Heights. “We do have our parks, but that’s going to be a cool little thing,” Houck said.
Gioielli said the roof will have vegetation to give it a "garden feel" and to allow a more natural run off of rain water.
Cherry Hill resident Gary Farrell and Gioielli, from Mickleton, are the developers.
Property records show Broken Properties LLC of Cherry Hill bought 501 Station Ave. in June 2022. Station Lofts LLC bought 503 Station Ave. in August 2023.
Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: 'Green' roof with a view for apartments, stores coming to Haddon Heights
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