Athletic Play Franchise Commits to 3,000 SF at Watchung, N.J., Property
Athletic play franchise KidStrong will join the tenant lineup at Blue Star Shopping Center in Watchung, announced Levin Management Corporation (LMC). The new, 3,000-square-foot lease follows a recent signing by Planet Fitness and coincides with a multi-million-dollar redevelopment– well underway – at the Somerset County retail center.
LMC serves as leasing and managing agent for the 420,000-square-foot Blue Star Shopping Center, located on Route 22 between Terrill and Bonnie Burn roads. E.J. Moawad, senior leasing representative, negotiated the KidStrong transaction on behalf of property ownership.
KidStrong builds confidence, character and family connection through science-based fitness games led by highly trained coaches. Age-appropriate classes are designed to improve physical, mental and emotional development in youngsters from new walkers up to 11 years old. Centers also host birthday parties and camps. Founded in 2015, KidStrong has more than 125 locations in the United States and Canada.
The new KidStrong Watchung location is owned by Joe Pedatella, an experienced operator behind more than one dozen KidStrong centers in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. “Every structured, 45-minute KidStrong class is designed to help kids become confident and well-rounded in all aspects of life,” he said. “We’ve seen, first- hand, the positive, transformative impact the program has had on countless families.
There’s nothing quite like KidStrong in the Watchung area, and I am excited to introduce this concept to the community.”
Fitness and youth-focused concepts are key elements in distinguishing and diversifying a shopping center’s offerings, according to Moawad. “KidStrong will be an excellent draw for the property and a wonderful community amenity for families with young children,” he said. “Blue Star Shopping Center’s redevelopment not only is creating a new, modern look – it is drawing great new uses to the property.”
Blue Star Shopping Center’s LMC-orchestrated redevelopment was catalyzed by a 72,000-square-foot lease and in-center relocation with long-time tenant ShopRite. In addition to KidStrong and Planet Fitness, LMC is in active negotiations with several more national brands. Blue Star Shopping Center’s outstandingtenant lineup already features Kohl’s, Marshalls, Dollar Tree, The Children’s Place, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, amongothers. Dining options include Five Guys, Wendy’s and Arby’s.
The property serves a population of more than 255,000 people within a five-mile radius; it draws more than 2.8 million visits annually, according to real time traffic data from Placer.ai.
