Deugen Development & Iron Ore Properties complete class-A mixed-use development in Maplewood’s Historic Downtown District

Maplewood, NJ Deugen Development, LLC (Deugen), a full-service commercial real estate development and construction firm, has finalized construction of 104 Baker, a 25,000 s/f Class-A mixed-use building strategically situated in the historic downtown section of Maplewood. The newly constructed property marks delivery of 11 upscale apartment-rental units and 3,737 s/f of ground-floor retail space to the transit-friendly Lower Essex County township. 

“The infill redevelopment of this former gas station resulted in the delivery of a high-quality, upscale property offering immediate-neighborhood access to a transit-friendly, vibrant downtown district,” said Eric Gormeley, Deugen’s CEO. “Pride in our craft is rooted in delivering exceptional service and construction that retains long-term curb appeal and property performance while also enhancing the immediate neighborhood. We are pleased with 104 Baker’s end product, which was made possible by a close public official/private developer collaboration.”

Strategically situated near the high-identity intersection of Baker St. and Maplewood Ave., 104 Baker is within a five-minute walk of Maplewood Train Station’s one-seat direct rail service to New York City.

Designed by UHL Architecture in Orange, N.J., 104 Baker invokes modern elements with subtle historic characteristics that appeal to today’s tenant base. 

“From the pre-development planning phase right through to the final touches, our entire team worked in close collaboration with the Maplewood Village Alliance to ensure 104 Baker reflects and honors the current streetscape while extending the vibrant sight lines of the neighborhood,” said Josh Sternberg, principal of Iron Ore Properties, which partnered with Deugen on the project. “We were able to partner with and incorporate the alliance’s feedback to successfully deliver Maplewood’s newest residential and retail lifestyle center to enhance Maplewood’s iconic city center.”

Alternatively known as “the village” or “Maplewood Center,” the downtown district is peppered with upscale and mid-scale restaurants, a small supermarket, independent cafés, a bookstore and other lifestyle services and offerings. Just 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, this high-population-density township is at the crossroads of an extensive mass transit and highway-infrastructure network. Connectivity offerings include NJ Transit rail and bus service as well as access to I-78 and Routes 24 and 124, connecting to I-95/New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.