In the midst of a town-wide revitalization, Historic Flemington, N.J., located in the heart of Hunterdon County, has reached a tipping point in attracting new businesses.
“The future of Main Street is full of pioneering spirit and optimism,” said Flemington Community Partnership (FCP) Executive Director Robin Lapidus. “During the past two months we’ve seen business owners, who have looked around Main Street for several years finally signing leases, and available properties are now changing hands.”
Mayor Betsy Driver said she believes the hard work that has been invested during the past several years is finally paying off. “As mayor, I have focused on making Flemington business-friendly; for example, reducing parking minimums for retail and restaurants, thus removing a huge barrier for small businesses wanting to open in Flemington. We now have a hot market, as our quirky and affordable spaces are just right for business owners who want to make their mark on the future vision for Flemington Borough.”
With quaint tree-lined streets and charming buildings – 65% of which are on the National Historic Register – Flemington features farm-to-table dining, boutique shopping, creative learning and art experiences, and a large health, wellness, and fitness culture. The borough continues to grow as a regional destination for festivals and year-round cultural celebrations.
In anticipation of the long-awaited Courthouse Square project, business owners are not hesitating to lease and buy space on Flemington’s Main Street.
The 200-year-old, 15-room hotel that once housed journalists reporting on the famed Lindbergh Trial of 1932, is undergoing a multi-million-dollar project to preserve the hotel’s historic façade and create a 100-room boutique hotel. Two restaurants with liquor licenses, an outdoor courtyard with retail on the first floor, and 206 residential units adjacent to Main Street are part of the project.
While the recent closing of two beloved restaurants on Main Street was sad news for their many loyal customers, both business owners quickly sold their businesses to new owners who were waiting in the wings for the right opportunity on Main Street.
The former 55 Main restaurant will soon be home to a new Mediterranean eatery from the owners of Little Egypt Oasis at 79 Main St. The former Garden State Salad location at 32 Main St. has been leased by Andrew and Shannon Mercado, who plan to open “D’Serve,” a fresh take on fine dining and desserts.
Additional new foodie hot spots on Main Street include the Bread and Culture Bakery at Main and Mine streets, an important connection between Main Street and Stangl Road. Bread and Culture has been a Stangl Farmer’s Market mainstay.
The new owners of Millie’s Bruncheonette at Main Street and William have received final Planning Board approval to renovate the landmark former service station and “FCP Weekend Beer Garden” location, known to many over the years as “The Filling Station.” They plan to bring a modern spin to comfort food.
The growth on Main Street is not limited to restaurants. Fat Farm Antiques purchased a historic building at 134 Main St. and opened an antique shop.
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