Icon of Intellectual and Architectural History to Become "Virtual City"

After siting vacant for more than 5 years, AT&T's famous Bell Labs campus designed by architect Eero Saarinen will undergo a $100 million renovation aimed at creating a mixed-use center for Holmdel, New Jersey.

1 minute read

September 12, 2013, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"Late last month, Somerset Development bought the mirrored glass building, completed in 1962, and its pastoral grounds from Alcatel-Lucent for $27 million after the Township of Holmdel approved an ambitious redevelopment proposal that includes plans for a health care center, residences, a hotel and retail space," reports Ronda Kaysen.

"The six-story building will house 50,000 square feet of retail space, the town library and a hotel. The grounds will have pedestrian trails, bike paths and, eventually, an outdoor sports complex. Part of the land is protected wetlands."

“It’s going to be a virtual city,” promised Ralph Zucker, president of Somerset Development. “It is going to have so many uses there that it will have its own identity.”

FULL STORY: Future Takes Shape for Bell Labs Site

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 in The New York Times

History / Preservation Urban Development New Jersey Bell Labs Holmdel Eero Saarinen View More

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