HELMETTA – The Borough of Helmetta has been known for its snuff mill, a large brick factory in the center of this Middlesex County community, which closed in 1993 after more than 100 years in business.
Kaplan Companies of Highland Park, which has invested $50 million to convert the outdated, shuttered snuff mill into an 200-unit community of rentals with amenities, recently unveiled The Lofts at Helmetta at Railroad Avenue and Main Street.
“These lofts are tremendous for the town; it is absolutely amazing what they have done,” Helmetta Mayor Chris Slavicek said of the 74-unit development, noting that his 62-year-old father, Ed, worked in the snuff mill until its final days.
Stating that the borough’s tax assessor reported an increase in the overall assessed value of residential property since The Lofts began accepting residents in its first phase, Slavicek added, “This is a beautiful project, a 100 percent win-win. It brings new vibrancy to Helmetta.”
Jason Kaplan, president of Kaplan Companies, led a tour of the 3,700-square-foot resident lounge, open 24 hours a day, which includes a game room, a gym, a café and a play area for children, as well as a variety of monthly social programs for residents, such as a wine and art party, a comedy night and a photo booth, according to information provided by Jonathon Jaffe.
Kaplan also noted amenities such as an outdoor heated saltwater pool, a natural gas fire pit, barbeques, a tennis court, two basketball courts, a pavilion and a short walk to Lake Marquerite, where there are nature trails and kayaking.
The community features a main structure, “The Helme Building,” comprising 106 units of one- and two-bedroom apartments, beginning at $1,550 a month. There are also 20, two-bedroom townhouses that are all occupied, at rents beginning at $2295.
In April, Kaplan Companies will open “The Mills,” comprising 74 rental units.
For more information, visit LoftsAtHelmetta.com.
