Bridgewater Commons, a longtime mall in Somerset County, is set for a sweeping interior renovation aimed at modernizing the shopping experience and attracting a new generation of visitors. Aesthetics of the past notwithstanding, our New Jersey malls can use all the help they can get.
Pacific Retail Capital Partners, which purchased the 1.2 million-square-foot mall in 2023, said work on the redesign begins this month and will continue through next year. The company expects minimal disruption to shoppers while construction is underway.
Annmarie Plenge, chief creative officer at Pacific Retail, said the overhaul is meant to refresh the mall’s look while keeping it central to the community.
“Bridgewater Commons has continued to strengthen its place as the dominant retail center for Somerset County,” Plenge said in a statement. “Now we are giving our community an upgraded experience designed for their convenience and enjoyment, evolving it for the next generation of retail, dining, and entertainment.”
What’s Changing
The most significant update will come to the food court, which will be reimagined with designated seating areas. Both spaces are designed to be more inviting for families, with distinctive furniture, brighter tones, and playful decor.
The renovation will also bring new landscaping, refreshed paint throughout the mall, and modern art installations. Updated lighting fixtures will be installed across the center court, department store wings, and mezzanine levels, giving the mall a brighter, more open feel.
Plenge, who leads Pacific Retail’s in-house design team, will oversee the project. The Martin Architectural Group will serve as the architect of record.
A Fresh Era for a Somerset County Staple
Since opening in 1988 along Interstate 287 near Routes 22 and 202, Bridgewater Commons has been one of New Jersey’s key suburban retail hubs. Pacific Retail says the upcoming redesign builds on that legacy, ensuring the property remains competitive in a changing retail landscape.
The company has already completed 87,000 square feet in new leases, bringing in a mix of national and local tenants. Recent additions include Fogo de Chão, Kendra Scott, Alo Yoga, JD Sports, Millburn Deli, Club Champion, Pure Green, Summit Medical, Pop Mart, and more.
Pacific Retail’s goal is to transform Bridgewater Commons into more than a shopping destination—gathering space where dining, retail, and community life intersect.
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