Demolition crews have started work at the site of the long-vacant City Motel on Route 1 South in Avenel, signaling the start of a major redevelopment project. The derelict property is set to be replaced by a modern, five-story Cambria Suites Hotel, a move township officials say will revitalize a key commercial corridor.
Key Takeaways
- The former City Motel on Route 1 South in Avenel is being demolished.
- A new five-story, 104-room Cambria Suites Hotel will be constructed on the site.
- The project is part of a broader initiative by Woodbridge Township to redevelop underutilized properties.
- Officials, including Mayor John E. McCormac, have described the former motel site as one of the town's "last eyesores."
Redevelopment Begins on Key Route 1 Parcel
Woodbridge Township officials, including Mayor John E. McCormac and representatives from the Woodbridge Redevelopment Agency, recently held a ceremony to mark the beginning of demolition and the official groundbreaking for the new hotel. The project addresses a property that has been a point of concern for the community for years.
The site, located at 938-943 U.S. Route 1 South, will be transformed from a vacant lot into a modern hospitality and commercial center. The development is a joint effort between JAP Real Estate and Kontos Construction Co.
A Strategic Clean-Up Effort
The removal of the old motel is part of a wider, concentrated effort by Woodbridge Township to eliminate blighted properties and attract new investment. According to officials, the parcel included not only the City Motel but also another dilapidated motel and a bar that has been shuttered for over 15 years.
Mayor Calls Project a Major Step Forward
During the groundbreaking event, Mayor McCormac expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its importance in the township's ongoing revitalization efforts. He noted that the removal of the old structures marks a significant improvement for the area.
"The Star/City Motel site is one of the last eyesores in town after a concentrated effort to clean up these parcels and we are thrilled to see that a new hotel will replace two dilapidated motels and a bar that has been closed for 15 years," Mayor John E. McCormac said in a statement.
The project is expected to bring new economic activity and an updated look to a highly visible section of Route 1, a major thoroughfare in the region.
Introducing the Cambria Brand to Avenel
The new facility will be a Cambria Hotel, operated by Choice Hotels International. The brand is positioned in the upscale market, catering to modern business and leisure travelers.
Hotel Features and Design
Plans for the Avenel location call for a five-story building with 104 guest rooms. The development will also include an adjacent commercial center, though specific tenants have not yet been announced.
Choice Hotels describes its Cambria properties as being designed for the needs of contemporary guests. The brand focuses on providing modern amenities, stylish design, and what it calls "approachable indulgences" to enhance the travel experience.
Choice Hotels in New Jersey
Choice Hotels International currently operates 51 properties across the state of New Jersey. The new Cambria in Avenel will expand its upscale brand presence in the central part of the state.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The transformation of the former motel site is anticipated to have a positive economic impact on Woodbridge Township. The construction phase will create jobs, and the operational hotel will provide permanent employment opportunities in the hospitality sector.
Furthermore, the presence of a new, upscale hotel is expected to attract more visitors and business travelers to the area, potentially boosting revenue for other local businesses. The project represents a significant private investment in the community, signaling confidence in the township's economic future.
As demolition continues, local residents and commuters will see the landscape of this portion of Route 1 change dramatically, replacing a long-standing vacant property with a symbol of new growth and development for Avenel and the greater Woodbridge area.
