Economic Development in Fanwood
Building a Sustainable, Vibrant Downtown
Fanwood has embraced smart growth strategies to create a vibrant, walkable downtown while preserving the Borough’s residential neighborhoods and open spaces.
These efforts have transformed Fanwood into a dynamic “work-live-play” community centered around the Borough’s transit hub and town center.
Smart Growth Success in Fanwood
Fanwood’s redevelopment efforts began with the adoption of a Downtown Redevelopment Plan in 2005. Since then, the Borough has achieved substantial economic and community growth.
Key Results
- Over $70 million in private investment
- More than 190 new residential units in the heart of downtown
- 15 new retail spaces created
- More than 300 new downtown residents
- Economic Impact including new tax revenue, spending power in the downtown and job creation
- 41 full-time jobs created
- More than 25 part-time jobs created
- Increased property values
- Fully occupied downtown retail corridors
- Community Benefits
- New public plazas and gathering spaces
- Enhanced pedestrian connectivity
- Preservation of single-family neighborhoods
- Statewide recognition for Smart Growth and Transit-Oriented Development
Fanwood is now recognized as a model community for integrating commuter rail access with a family-friendly downtown environment.
Downtown Projects
Downtown Block
220 South Avenue
- Street-level retail
- 8 residential rental units
234 South Avenue
- Street-level retail
- 10 residential rental units
Fanwood Crossing I – 254 South Avenue
- Street-level retail
- 24 residential rental units
Fanwood Crossing II – 246 South Avenue
- Street-level retail
- 40 residential rental units
Fanwood Crossing III – 233 La Grande Avenue
- 16 two-bedroom residential rental units
All Fanwood Crossing residential units and retail spaces are fully occupied, including affordable housing units.
Station Square (Lots 17–20)- 1 Second Street
Developed by Landmark Properties, Station Square includes:
- 35 total residential units
- 28 market-rate units
- 7 affordable housing units
- Townhome-style residences
- Affordable duplex and flat units
- Completed in 2018–2019
The development also contributed to the creation of a new public plaza behind the retail stores along Martine Avenue.
Additional Projects Representing Significant Investment in Fanwood
Public Plaza Expansion
In 2017, Fanwood expanded the downtown plaza area connecting South Avenue to Tasty Thai, creating additional pedestrian space and room for community events.
35 Second Street
Redeveloped in 2019 by Jobar Realty Company, Inc.
- Includes:
- 2,900 sq. ft. commercial space
- 2 residential units
Frank’s Auto Body Renovation- 56 S Martine Ave
- Completed improvements in 2017 including:
- New third repair bay
- Streetscape landscaping
- Sidewalk enhancements
- Pedestrian access easement
South Avenue Commercial Corridor Projects
In 2016, Fanwood established the South Avenue Commercial Corridor Overlay and designated the area as an Area in Need of Rehabilitation to encourage reinvestment and redevelopment and to satisfy its fair share obligations.
Lightbridge Academy- 15 South Avenue
(Block 55, Lot 2 – Former Sun Tavern Site)
The former Sun Tavern property was renovated into Lightbridge Academy, a preschool and childcare facility. Lightbridge Academy officially opened in April 2018.
40 South Avenue
- 23 market-rate rental units
- 4 affordable housing units
- Ground-floor retail space
57 South Avenue- K9 Resorts Expansion
On August 28, 2019, K9 Resorts received Planning Board approval for an expansion of its dog daycare facility.
70 South Avenue
105 South Avenue – Carano Square Redevelopment Project
(Block 55, Lots 11, 11.01, 12 and Block 57, Lot 1 – Former A&P Site)
Following the long-term closure of the former A&P supermarket and extensive efforts to re-lease the building to another grocery operator, the property owners advanced redevelopment plans for the site.
In 2023, Carano Square LLC received site plan approval for a mixed-use redevelopment project on the four-acre former A&P property, located within the Old South Avenue Area in Need of Redevelopment.
The approved project includes:
- 140 residential units
- Brownstone-style frontage design
- Significant resident amenity spaces
- A 5,000-square-foot restaurant with a rooftop bar
137 South Avenue – Fanwood Animal Hospital
In 2020, Fanwood Animal Hospital relocated across South Avenue into a new 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility at 137 South Avenue.
200 South Ave- New Fabio’s Restaurant
In 2025, construction began on a new Fabio’s restaurant at the former Sheelen’s Pub & Bistro site.
SOHO at Fanwood – 282 South Avenue
Completed in 2025 by Landmark Company.
Project features:
- 58 residential units
- 9 affordable housing units
- Ground-floor retail and amenities
- Current retail tenants:
- Beem Light Sauna
- Real Hot Yoga
South Avenue Streetscape Improvements
The Borough received an $802,000 grant for South Avenue streetscape improvements.
The Borough selected CME Associates as the project design firm. Following a public hearing, preliminary plans were submitted to and approved by NJDOT. Final plans are currently in progress, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026.
Fanwood Business Retention and Expansion
Fanwood Business Liaison- Fanwood’s Economic Development director also serves as a business liaison. Regular communication with the Fanwood business community, resulting in enhanced services, marketing, events and collaboration.
Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC)
Fanwood is a member of the GWACC. The GWACC holds two town wide events in Fanwood in 2017, Ladies night in June and Fan Jam in La Grande Park in July. The GWACC has established a Fanwood business Committee to work on Fanwood initiatives.
