Kokes Properties Breaks Ground on The Mill at Riverside
RIVERSIDE, NJ – The long-awaited redevelopment of the historic Taubel’s Mill property in Riverside is formally underway, as Kokes Properties and municipal officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking event on December 4th to celebrate the town’s future flagship community, The Mill at Riverside.
The design of the new rental community drew inspiration from the site’s earliest occupant, the William F. Taubel’s Hosiery Mill. Having once served as the area’s largest employer during the early 20th century, the former garment factory became an enduring symbol of the town’s pivotal role in American industrialization prior to its demolition in 2006. Following numerous site plan revisions dating back to 2008, Kokes Properties acquired the land in 2019 and presented a more comprehensive vision for the property to the local planning board in June that garnered widespread praise.
Relying on century-old photographs as a guide, the Kokes team tastefully incorporated some of the original building’s timeless features into its own architectural design in a way that both honors the property’s storied past while also restoring its position as a future landmark in the community.
The first buildings to be developed will be comprised of 22 luxury rental townhomes, 64 apartments, and a 3,000 square foot clubhouse. The townhomes are expected to be ready for occupancy by September 2021.Subsequent phases will see the buildout of an additional 104 apartments, bringing the total community size to 190 units. The rental community will offer on-site parking, bike storage, a fitness center, package rooms, and other lifestyle amenities for its future residents. The site is located approximately 30 minutes away from Center City Philadelphia and is conveniently situated just one block away from the Light Rail Station along the NJ Transit River Line.
“When Riverside was first settled, the founders named it ‘Progress,’” said Michael J. Kokes, President of Kokes Properties. “More than 150 years later, our mission now is to live up to the billing of that word. As responsible corporate citizens, we pride ourselves on fostering constructive working relationships within the communities in which we operate, and we are extremely grateful for the one we share today with Riverside.
“Any successful redevelopment effort depends on more than just private investment; it requires strong leadership, courage, and an unwavering conviction on the part of the governing body to act in the long-term best interest of the town. From day one, Riverside’s collaborative and welcoming disposition has been a pleasure to work with, and the township officials really deserve a tremendous amount of credit for the leading role they have played in helping us get to where we are today,” Kokes said.
"The Mill at Riverside project restores an architectural mainstay of the township’s history,” Riverside Mayor Jason Frey said. “Taubel’s Mill was a landmark that meant so much to so many residents. This residential development will reinvigorate Riverside’s future and, at the same time, pay tribute to its past. We appreciate having a partner like Kokes Properties that believes in our community.”
Accompanying Mr. Kokes on behalf of Kokes Properties at the groundbreaking ceremony were the entire Kokes Properties team. Also in attendance at the socially-distanced ceremony were Mayor Frey, Deputy Mayor Corey Kimble, Township Administrator Meghan Jack, and Committeewomen Lorraine Hatcher and Michelle Weaver. Representatives from the Riverside Historical Society were also in attendance.