Boutique Community Developed by JMF Properties Recognized for Its Aesthetic
Beauty and Contribution to Economic Growth
WHIPPANY, NJ – Clarus Maplewood, a boutique rental community at the Maplewood train station, was recently named a winner of the 2019 New Good Neighbor Awards by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA).
The award recognizes Clarus Maplewood for its aesthetic beauty, architectural merit, community involvement, and benefits to the state and local economy. It was selected for the honor by a panel of independent judges from a cross section of state associations and organizations.
The Clarus Maplewood team includes developer JMF Properties, architect Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, interior designer Inner Views, LLC, and partner Gladstone Equities.
For 59 years, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and New Jersey Business magazine have honored New Jersey’s outstanding commercial development projects. The full list of winners will be published in the July issue of the magazine.
“Being selected for this prestigious award by an organization that consistently highlights the best and brightest new projects in New Jersey year in and year out is a tremendous honor,” said Joe Forgione, the founder and principal of JMF Properties. “The Clarus Maplewood team consists of incredibly talented individuals who have gone above and beyond what was necessary every step of the way, dedicating a massive amount of time and effort to even the smallest of details. The result is a multiple award-winning project that all of our team members can be proud of.”
Clarus Maplewood opened in October, 2017, and was 100 percent leased by early 2018. The building’s street-level retail also leased quickly. Starbucks, BCB Bank, Abby Haliti Salon, and The Cassidy Bar + Kitchen have all opened at the community.
Clarus Maplewood is the first residential community in New Jersey to achieve WELL Certification through the International WELL Building Institute’s™ (IWBI™) multifamily pilot, and only the 13th in the world. It was awarded WELL Certification at the Gold level by the IWBI™ in November, 2018. The community’s impressive design allowed it to achieve high concept scores from IWBI™ evaluators in all seven categories of building performance: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.
Clarus Maplewood was also named “Community of the Year” in the best mixed-use community of 2018 category by the Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of New Jersey. Now, the 2019 New Good Neighbor Award from the NJBIA highlights the positive impact Clarus Maplewood has had on its residents, neighbors, train commuters, and visitors to downtown Maplewood, among others.
“Each project at JMF Properties is unique. Since Clarus Maplewood was JMF’s first building designed for WELL certification, attention to detail was paramount,” said Francene Forgione, the principal of Inner Views, LLC. “As always, we designed the community from the inside out. With community’s residents in mind, we created a space that is both luxe and comfortable. The layout and finishes of the amenity spaces were designed to have a New York hotel vibe that residents would enjoy and use often. From flooring to lighting, furniture to artwork, the inclusion of a double-sided fireplace, and everything in between, each detail was well thought out. It was a real team effort, and that collective dedication is what took Clarus Maplewood to the next level.”
Clarus means “clear” or “bright” in Latin, and its namesake ambience is evident throughout the property. It offers a balanced lifestyle with light-filled residences, exquisite finishes and appointments and a curated collection of amenities. It is located on Maplewood Avenue in the heart of Maplewood Village, among the community’s many boutique shops, restaurants, cultural attractions and sidewalk cafes.
David Minno, AIA, a principal in Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, said: “Clarus was designed to fit into Maplewood with its eclectic architecture from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. The Art Deco style fits into this period and has updated touches that one would see as recent updates to a historic building. This wonderful transit-oriented project fits beautifully into this walkable community.”
Clarus Maplewood is just steps from the Maplewood train station, where commuters are whisked to and from Manhattan in about 35 minutes. In addition to offering convenience for its residents, the community has become a convenient stop for train commuters who wish to frequent the businesses on their way to work, or coming home from work.
For more information on Clarus Maplewood, visit www.clarusmaplewood.com.
For more information on the NJBIA and its New Good Neighbor Awards, visit www.NJBIA.org.
About JMF Properties
Under the leadership of Joseph M. Forgione and his 25 years of experience in the industry, JMF Properties has developed a reputation for creating residential, retail and mixed-use communities of lasting value in some of the state’s most desirable locations. Mr. Forgione has developed more than 2,500 residential units and multiple commercial and retail properties during his career, with more than a dozen current projects totaling 870,000 square feet of retail and 1,200 residential units in various stages of approval or construction, ranging from transit-oriented developments to urban and suburban retail centers to sprawling office parks. Recently completed notable projects include properties anchored by Costco, Whole Foods and Lowe’s Home Improvement.
As a former long-time Commissioner of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, a graduate of civil engineering, and a member of the New Jersey Civil Engineers, Mr. Forgione understands the unique responsibilities and needs of all stakeholders involved in the development process, including local government officials, architects, construction managers, investment partners, community members and end users. This holistic approach to development has been vital to JMF’s success, allowing the company to identify under-valued assets, forge strategic partnerships, and develop dynamic residential and retail properties that enhance their host communities, including the first residential community designed for WELL certification in New Jersey. www.jmfproperties.com.
About Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners
Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners an eighty-five-person design firm with twenty-nine registered architects and engineers based in Lambertville and Newark, New Jersey. The firm specializes in private sector, large, mixed-use redevelopment projects that have significant residential components. Many of MINNO & WASKO’s projects reflect client relationships that span more than twenty years, including Ironstate Development, BNE Real Estate Development, Mill Creek Residential and RXR Development. The firm’s work is located in the Northeast corridor with projects in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Virginia and New Hampshire.
About Inner Views, LLC
Inner Views, LLC is a full-service interior design company based in New Jersey, and serving the greater New York City metropolitan area. Led by Francene Forgione, the company takes an “inside out” approach to interior design, seeking first and foremost to maximize the pleasure and comfort of each building’s residents. A wide variety of interior design services are available ranging from large multifamily residential communities to commercial projects to private homes. For more information, visit www.Innerviews.design.
CAHN PR 