The Mill at Riverside Moves Forward; Redevelopment to Pay Homage to Former Textile Factory
RIVERSIDE, NJ – A modern-nostalgic housing development is on pace to break ground in 2020 on a long-vacant lot after Kokes Properties received amended preliminary and final site plan approval for The Mill at Riverside in June.
The site was once home to the William F. Taubel Hosiery Mill, a former garment factory that doubled as Riverside’s largest employer for the early part of the 20th century. Prior to its demolition in 2006, the building served as an enduring symbol of the town’s rich history in the textile business and the pivotal role it played in the early years of American industrialization. Years later, historical photographs of Taubel’s Mill are now guiding the architectural inspiration behind Kokes Properties’ redevelopment initiative.
“Securing this approval marks a key first step toward the revitalization of downtown Riverside. By incorporating certain design elements in our plan that pay homage to Taubel’s Mill, our intent is to invoke a sense of community pride for those long-time residents who revered the old factory while also piquing a sense of historical curiosity for future generations who choose to call Riverside home,” said Michael J. Kokes, President of Kokes Properties. “We are exquisitely sensitive to and respectful of the history rooted in this site. In our view, Riverside is an underserved market with tremendous potential, and we believe there is no better way to bridge the gap between past and present than to honor the property’s legacy through thoughtful design and planning.”
The approved site plan for The Mill at Riverside shows 22 townhomes and 168 apartments for a total of 190 units. The community will feature a clubhouse, on-site parking, bike storage, fitness center, package rooms and other amenities. The location is approximately a half-hour drive to Philadelphia and situated one block away from the Riverside Light Rail Station on the NJ Transit River Line, making The Mill at Riverside an enticing draw for commuters.
Development on the lot at the corner of Delaware and New Jersey Avenues has been stalled for years. Following multiple site plan iterations dating back as far as 2008, Kokes Properties purchased the property in December and subsequently presented an amended site plan to the Riverside Planning Board that quickly garnered praise, putting the redevelopment timeline back on track.
“At Kokes Properties, we pride ourselves on developing meaningful relationships within the communities in which we operate. Since acquiring the Taubel’s Mill site last year, we have been humbled by the overwhelming support received from the various stakeholders to whom this property means so much. Their trust and confidence in us are not to be taken lightly, and we are looking forward to making them proud as we embark on our mission to transform a paper concept into a tangible reality,” Kokes said. The Kokes family has built more than 21,000 homes since 1964, including New Jersey’s earliest workforce housing.
The Mill at Riverside is being planned in two phases. Phase 1, which will see the construction of the community clubhouse and 126 units west of Fairview Street, is expected to break ground before the end of the year. Pricing will be competitive, with monthly rents starting in the high $1,300s for one-bedroom units.
“Price is the ultimate amenity, and The Mill at Riverside will offer residents an opportunity to enjoy high-quality housing and lifestyle options at affordable price points,” said Clark McIntyre, Kokes Properties’ Vice President of Operations. “We are confident that this project will be an asset to the community and will position the town favorably for growth in the years ahead.”