Goodbye, Bradlees. Hello to Spirits Liquors, Shoprite, Staples
Planning Board approves plan to put liquor store in the shuttered Oak Warehouse spot, self-standing at the front of the Dover Mall
Demolition of Bradlees, Dover Mall, Route 166 and 37 on Feb. 2.
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Planning for the complete reconstruction of most of the Dover Mall was approved last night, as the Toms River Planning Board reviewed the proposed final architectural and landscaping plans.
Approved via unanimous decision, the plans entail the demolition of the current complex in favor of erecting newer buildings to take their place. Project Architect Eugene D. Wright Jr. of the Lederer & Wright Partnership and Attorney Harvey L. York presented a more concrete vision of the future Dover Mall, going into detail about the external aesthetics of the new buildings and some changes in the overall structure.
“This approval allows the D'Onofrio family to start construction with the exception of the ShopRite,” said York. “But now the big building on 166 and the little building in the front can go forward with construction.”
The property, owned by the D'Onofrio family and Dan-D, Inc., started undergoing major changes yesterday as demolition of the shut down Bradlees got underway. A new Super ShopRite will take its place, as the final architectural and landscape review for that portion of the project is slated to go in front of the planning board in the near future.
The new Dover Mall, which will be 40,000 square feet in size, will have an earthy color scheme with light shades of beige and brown covering the exterior of the buildings. The two new pylon signs scheduled to be built facing the adjacent routes saw some tweaks from the original application, as they are now slightly smaller in size. The Staples plans were also tweaked, as one of the two loading areas is being removed from the new building.
“We eliminated one of those loading areas because it just was not necessary and reconfigured the architecture of the building,” said York. “In the original application, two areas were provided.”
As currently noted on the large sign overlooking the corner of Routes 166 and 37, the Staples will remain open during the entire construction process.
“The existing Staples will remain open because they have an ongoing lease. What's being done is what's called a phased project,” said Wright. “They're going to build the new building and then once that building is complete, Staples will move into that one, allowing for the previous building to be demolished.”
Also accounted for in the plans is the destruction of the Oak Warehouse, as previous plans to renovate and maintain the building have been scrapped. Once rebuilt, the building will house a Spirits Unlimited. The closed Oak Warehouse furniture store is the self-standing building on the front of the property, facing Route 166.
The Spirits Unlimited, which more than a decade ago operated in the rear of the site next to the former Shoprite, will now be in the front of the property in the Oak Warehouse spot. “We're going to build it pretty much where it is right now but just 200 square feet smaller and make it more square, apparentl,” York said.
As it stands, the only work approved from the meeting was for the new Staples building and the shops connected to it for future tenants, as well as the Spirits Unlimited and the two new signs. Future hopes are to bring big name anchor stores to the Dover Mall, such as Best Buy or Bed Bath and Beyond.
“As additional tenants come in, they'll build new buildings. You don't want to spend a lot of money obviously and not have a tenant in this economy,” said Wright. “And obviously when you have a big project, you hope to get that major anchor. As these buildings get built, hopefully with the visibility, more tenants will come on board.”
Debbie
11:49 am on Thursday, February 3, 2011
How about a Barnes & Noble....or Trader Joe's....or Cracker Barrel! Let's bring some interesting stores to Toms River. There is a Bed, Bath & Beyond on Hooper Ave....another one isnt needed!
Mark K
3:24 pm on Thursday, June 9, 2011
I would love a rare resturant chain that is not common in New Jersey but only available in other parts of the country. New Jersey is always the last state to get a Super Walmart, Pizza Hut, and Sonic. Examples would be, Bun & Burger, Golden Corall, Whataburger!, Schlotzsky's, Jack In The Box, and CiCis Pizza. We still do not have a Car Max or Autonation.
Paul
12:22 pm on Thursday, February 3, 2011
How about PF Changs or a Longhorn's or Outback. We need a GOOD steakhouse in Toms River
.
3:18 pm on Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Too many chain restaurants already. Food in chain restaurants is no more than fair.
Julie
10:15 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Pei Wei would be a welcome addition. For those of you that have traveled outside of Ocean County, you are aware of some great inexpensive chains (Pei Wei is a spinoff of PF Changs.
MIC
1:14 pm on Thursday, February 3, 2011
We could use more restaurants in that area of Toms River and some new shopping opportunities, another liquor store won’t be on the top of my list
Ed Lee
2:02 pm on Thursday, February 3, 2011
First they need to fix the Jughandle/Right hand turn at 166/37. The area is a disaster.
Second, they need some better stores. Wasn't there already a Shoprite and Spirits there? Didn't they fold? Why do we need to bring them back? May as well open a new Old Time Tavern.
We don't need another liquor store. If we could get 21st century stores, like Wegmans, B&N, etc. it would be fantastic. But I guess we'll have yet another vacant strip mall.
No vision whatsoever.
Mary
4:44 pm on Thursday, February 3, 2011
I believe they closed the Shoprite because they were building the one in Manchester. Only thing is, they forgot a lot of people in the area shopped there and didn't go to Fischer Blvd.
Julie
10:17 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
agreed...consider those that are making the decisions.
Susan
3:27 pm on Thursday, February 3, 2011
Disappointing; all stuff we already have nearby.. why aren't we getting anything new?
Mary
4:44 pm on Thursday, February 3, 2011
any suggestions?
Doug
4:51 pm on Thursday, February 3, 2011
Is another liquor store needed? There is one already located a short distance away on 37 East.
Karen Ann Campbell
1:46 am on Friday, February 4, 2011
Another Liquor store, really! How about a decent dining establishment on 37? There are so few. Unfortunately we usually leave TR when we go out to dinner. With the exception of Tuscan House on Hooper what other new places have opened. The whole town needs to come up to 2011 and get moving on a real overhaul.
gracie allen
5:57 pm on Friday, February 4, 2011
I can't wait for a new super shoprite to open in the neighborhood. Hopefully it'll have enough parking vs. Fischer Blvd. And I won't even have to cross over 37 to get there - better yet drive across town. B&N - I don't know - with all of the kendles - who buys books anymore? Whatever stores go in will be an improvement. That corner has been an eyesore for way too long. I also think its smart to build as you go rather than have the new buildings standing empty. Can't wait to see the finished complex.
Heidemarie
5:34 pm on Sunday, February 6, 2011
I like the idea of an improved Staples and a World Class Shoprite.....BUT...I hate the thought going there, because of the Rt. 37/Rt. 166 crossing/jug handles....ARRGGHH!!!!
Dawn S
11:13 am on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I like the idea of a cracker barrel. We really do not need another liquor store.How about an indoor play area for kids. I don't think we have any of these around.
Deb
9:38 pm on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
I would love to see a Barnes and Noble and a Trader Joes...even a Kings, though I haven't been to one since I grew up in North Jersey. Another liquor store!!! We have one diagonal across Rt 37 and a few blocks down on 166 towards Home Depot. I used to work in Marlboro YEARS ago and loved, loved, loved Wegmans. I actually wrote them 6 years ago and told them about the empty shopping center, it's great location, etc. They were very nice and responded that they were happy I loved their store, but had no plans @ this time...sigh. With our luck, Brick or Lacey will get it. Toms River seems to get skipped over by a lot of newer type establishments. For some reason Brick gets it all and then they feel TR is too close, so they go further south. Speaking from someone who doesn't want to drive to Brick all the time "hey, don't forget about us in Toms River guys".
Daniel Nee
12:53 am on Wednesday, February 9, 2011
We do need an upscale supermarket somewhere in Ocean County, for sure. Lately, of course, the once-deserted Route 72 in Manahawkin has been getting, well, everything. A good number of Brick residents are hoping the former Foodtown site on Route 70 becomes home to a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.
Iris
10:54 pm on Saturday, February 19, 2011
I'm very excited about having a Super Shoprite so near by!!! I don't like driving 10-15 minutes to go grocery shopping at the Fischer Blvd Shoprite and the parking there is not so great. I am really looking forward to the new Super Shoprite by me. I also like the idea of having a Spirits Unlimited there as well. However, I do agree with one of the comments above with regard to dealing with the traffic and Jughandle at 166/37.
angela
2:39 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Excited that I won't have to drive to the Fischer Blvd or Manchester locations! I like the B&N idea, or how bout one of them big shoe stores like DSW? Newer eateries would be great too... seems like all we have is pizza or chinese food. How bout a Red Robin? But, please please with the anticipated extra traffic that will be in the area once the plaza is complete... make sure the roads flow better on 166/37. Its already backed up as it is, trying to turn out of the shopping center is gonna suck!
Julie
7:41 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011
Is that all we got...shoprite, staples and spirits - how depressing! Lets advocate a TJ's, Wegmans, Whole Foods or how about a PF Changs? Ocean County can do better.
Nicole
1:30 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Your prayers were answered, as were mine with the new DSW on Hooper Ave! Have you been? It's wonderful!
Catherine Galioto
11:09 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011
It does look as though half of the spots still need tenants, however. There are seven or eight total tenant spots planned, I believe.
Joseph
3:05 pm on Sunday, February 27, 2011
Great new for a depressed area in Toms River, I just moved down to this are a year ago and facelift will indeed bring a fresh outlook to the community. A Barnes & Noble Bookstore or a Cheesecake Factory Restaurant would be a nice change to the town and bring in more jobs....
DAVE 865
1:23 pm on Sunday, March 6, 2011
The article mentions 2 new DOVER MALL signs, does this mean the still standing DOVER MALL sign will be like BRADLEES and the theatre..........history? I hope not.
Can you settle a rumor for me, I hear that part of the property, section that faces rt. 166, is going to be given to the state to widen rt. 166? Thanks.
nancy michell
7:43 pm on Wednesday, March 9, 2011
WHAT TOMS RIVER NEEDS IS ALL THE OWNERS OF THE VACANT BUILDINGS TO BE BROUGHT UP TO CODE.... OUR TOWN LOOKS LIKE LOW INCOME CITY,, NO WONDER WHY NO WELL KNOWN RESTURANTS, CLASSY FOOD CHAINS, OR ANY UPSCALE BUSINESS WANTS TO PUT ANY MONEY HERE!!! LSTS SEE HOW ABOUT THE OLD JERSEY SHORE SAVINGS BANK OF RT 37 , OR THE HESS GAS STATION ON RT 37 , OR ALL THE EMPTY BUILDINGS ON RT37, THE GARBARGE ON THE GRASS MEDIAN, THE UNSITELY LIMEGREEN BUILDING, (REALLY!!) OR THAT HORRIBLE FENCE GOING ALONG RT 37...... OR HOW ABOUT THE PIECE OF PROPERTY RIGHT BY THE BRIDGE?WE NEED TO GET RID OF ALL THIS UGLYNESS BEFORE ANYONE WOULD WANT TO INVEST ANY MONEY HERE.
JUDY
9:44 pm on Saturday, March 19, 2011
SO TRUE! GOOD POINTS.
THAT UGLY BUILDING BEFORE THE BRIDGE WAS TORN DOWN...AND ANOTHER UGLY BUILDING JUST LIKE IT WAS PUT BACK!
WHY?
I GIVE UP.
SOMEONE NEEDS TO CARE.
Not Afraid to Rant
12:51 pm on Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I'm glad that a new shoprite is being built. That means less people will be at the Fischer one. I hate crowds! Then the summer comes and it gets crowded again with all the snooty summer home owners. ugh!
JUDY
9:38 pm on Saturday, March 19, 2011
SHOP RITE? REALLY?? BORING.....NOT NEEDED!
THIS TOWN 'S EYE SORE IS THE MAIN THROUGHFARE FOR ALL TO SEE: RT.37! THE SHORE TRAFFIC'S' GREETING.
IT'S BLIGHTED,TIRED,AND EMBARASSING.
HOW POOR ARE WE?? IF NO ONE STPES UP TO THE PLATE,AND INVESTS IN PUTTING A WEGMAN'S,CRACKER BARREL ,ETC.(WHICH WILL ATTRACT A LOT OF CUSTOMERS),WE WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
WHY ARE SO MANY ABANDONDED BUILDINGS ALLOWED TO REMAIN FOR SO LONG?
DO WE HAVE A MAYOR?
WE DO NOT NEED A SHOP RITE,LIQUOR STORE,BED BATH AND BEYOND(omg!)Please ,please.no BEST BUY....
LET''S BE UNIQUE,AND PUT SOME LIFE BACK INTO TOMS RIVER'S ALREADY TARNISHED REPUTATION!
WE "AIN'T" TOO PRETTY!
Sue
6:58 pm on Monday, March 21, 2011
How about a Cracker Barrel, a B&N with a Starbucks in it, and a Chessecake Factory!! We dont have a Chessecake Factory or a Cracker Barrel anywhere around here why not !!! Also we have to travel to a B&N In Brick!! We already have a Bed Bath and Beyond and who needs a Best Buy when we have a Staples!!
MIC
7:41 am on Tuesday, March 22, 2011
im thinking instead odof a spirits a wine factory would be a better choice
John E
11:23 am on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Dan and DJ D'Onofrio already have licenses to sell booze there..thats why the liquor store..they own quite a few of them in Ocean County mostly Spirits store names not Buy Rites. I agree a nice resturant there would make a bundle of money.
.
11:27 am on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
We have too many chain restaurants already in the area. Not one of them has good food.
John E
11:28 am on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Dan and DJ D'Onofrio (the owners of the property) already have liquor licenses to sell booze at that area thats why a liquor store there. They already own quite of few Spirits stores in Ocean county not Buy Rites stores. I agree a nice resturant be nice there..make a bundle of money at that spot.
John E
11:30 am on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
ooops double post..sorry
.
12:13 pm on Monday, April 4, 2011
If I am not mistaken, I passed by that "lime green" building and it looked like it was in the process of getting painted.
Minge Ho
7:59 pm on Tuesday, June 14, 2011
How about Asian Fusion (Thai,Vietnamese,Japanese,Chinese) Restaurant
Karen Ann Campbell
10:13 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Yes....please!
Betsy Duin
4:02 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
To what UNION will the New Shop Rite Belong too? Would anyone know?
Nicole
1:32 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Which Union are you speaking? I know they have some Electricians from Local 400 there...
Diane Hayes
1:11 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
A liquor store?? Who needs that? Except for the area around the Mall, there's no decent restaurants. They tore down Old Time Tavern. How about replacing it with a good restaurant? We have to go to Brick to go to Outback or Famous Dave's or Longhorn or Chevy's Fresh Mex. We need more good places to eat in T.R. Not a liquor store! So disappointed!
Dana DiStefano
2:44 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
A good restaurant is definitely needed in that area as there are NONE within a 3 mile radius, and I don't even count Tiffany's near Holiday Inn because it sucks. TR is always last in line when it comes to getting new, different restaurants/shops.
1stcav
2:55 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Joe's Crab Shack , the Lobster place on Hooper ...well ..stinks ! You have to go to Point to get sea food at the shore . Why ????!!! in-n out Burger, five guys is a grease bucket, the amount of fries has been not so much any more !!! There are many but not any good pizza places in TR, plenty of want to be's...
Simon Larano
6:44 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Does TR Patch have any updates on a solid grand opening date for ShopRite?
Anthony Sabino
8:38 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
I know someone who works for Wakefern in the corporate office and he told me the scheduled opening date for shop rite is December 1st
gracie allen
4:07 pm on Saturday, October 1, 2011
December 1st?!?!?!? Well, it was obvious after passing the site that October was out of the question but after seeing the trailer parked there for people to fill out job apps made me think it couldn't be that far away. I hope it doesn't get pushed back any further. I'm looking forward to shopping there.