Leasing activity is accelerating at West Orange Plaza, where strong tenant interest is reshaping the shopping center well ahead of the highly anticipated arrival of Target in spring 2026. The 298,000-square-foot retail destination on Prospect Avenue is in the midst of a major transformation, positioning it as one of the most closely watched retail redevelopment projects in Essex County.
The surge in demand comes as several new tenants have finalized leases, further expanding a roster that already includes Whole Foods Market, Chipotle, Verizon, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Dogtopia, America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, and Club Pilates. Recently signed additions include national medical aesthetics provider VIO Med Spa, fast-growing Quickway Japanese Hibachi, and Namkeen Hot Chicken Joint, a concept inspired by Nashville-style hot chicken. Together, the new leases underscore a broader shift toward wellness, dining, and service-oriented retail that aligns with evolving consumer preferences.
West Orange Plaza is undergoing a multimillion-dollar redevelopment led by Levin Management Corp.’s in-house construction team. The project includes new building construction, expanded outparcel opportunities, and comprehensive site upgrades designed to modernize the center and enhance convenience for shoppers. More than 33,000 square feet of new leasing and active pipeline activity is already in place, signaling sustained momentum as renovations progress.
Leasing representatives point to the redevelopment strategy as a key driver of interest. By curating a complementary mix of tenants that reflects local demand for dining, wellness, and everyday services, the ownership has positioned the plaza as a destination rather than a traditional strip center. The location’s accessibility and visibility have further strengthened its appeal to both regional and national brands seeking a foothold in West Orange.
The upcoming Target store is expected to serve as a major catalyst. The retailer will occupy a 150,000-square-foot anchor space formerly home to Kmart, with a projected opening date of March 2026. Once operational, the store is expected to significantly increase foot traffic and reinforce the plaza’s role as a primary shopping hub for the surrounding communities.
Target’s expansion in New Jersey continues to be strategic. The retailer operates more than 50 locations statewide, with recent openings reflecting a broader trend of repositioning former big-box spaces into modern, high-performing stores. Levin Management Corp. has played a key role in several of these redevelopments, including a recent Target opening in Flemington that helped revitalize its surrounding retail mix.
As redevelopment advances at West Orange Plaza, the project offers a clear example of how thoughtful reinvestment and tenant diversification can reinvigorate established retail properties. The combination of national anchors, emerging dining concepts, and wellness-focused services is creating a contemporary shopping environment tailored to today’s consumers.
For readers tracking commercial redevelopment, tenant trends, and shopping center investment across the Garden State, ongoing coverage in the real estate section highlights how projects like West Orange Plaza are shaping New Jersey’s evolving retail landscape.
