The facility is part of a larger development of Metropark Station by DOR, a consortium led by Russo Development, which was awarded a $110 million tax credit grant, with real estate advisor Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) also involved. The impetus for the development came from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s push to modernise transportation hubs throughout the state, making them multi-use locations for residential, office space, retail and restaurants, allowing people to live, work and play in one location.

When it opens next year, the Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) and Wellness Center promises to offer more than 60,000 square feet of healthcare services just steps from the mass transit hub.

“Once again, New Jersey is pioneering a new model for supporting our families and communities as we break ground on the first-ever comprehensive healthcare facility located at a major transit hub,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This new Hackensack Meridian Health facility marks a major milestone, both for the larger redevelopment of Metropark Station as well as in realising our administration’s broader vision for the future of transportation and community health.”

Services will include primary care; medical specialties; surgical specialties; a sports and spine centre of excellence; advanced imaging; phlebotomy; rehabilitation services; a retail pharmacy; occupational health services; and urgent care. 

“Sixty thousand people travel through Metropark Station each month, as a hub for New Jersey Transit and Amtrak [the US national passenger railroad company],” noted Robert C. Garrett, chief executive of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Soon these passengers will have access to quality care steps from their commute. The expanded, easy access is one of the major ways Hackensack Meridian Health is revolutionising healthcare.”

The complex qualifies for the multi-use platform under the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) ASPIRE programme, which supports transformative development projects that incorporate community benefits such as those featured in this development: connecting people to healthcare more efficiently; stimulating mass transit use; and providing at least 20-per-cent low-income housing.

“Convenient access to a wide array of medical services at a mass transit hub complements Hackensack Meridian Health’s efforts to address how social determinants of health are impacting health equity,” explained Garrett. “This location will bring Hackensack Meridian’s best-in-class doctors and care to a location accessible to all, including those whose primary form of transportation is mass transit.”

Social determinants of health

This type of care model is important in suburban areas, where currently, most healthcare is largely only accessible by car. Thought to be the first health system to provide comprehensive outpatient services directly at a transit hub, Hackensack Meridian believes this new model of care can be emulated by other health systems, helping to increase access and address the social determinants of health.

“The Aspire Program focuses on supporting Governor Murphy’s vision to expand transit-oriented development and revitalise communities across the state,” said NJEDA chief executive Tim Sullivan. “This Aspire award will support the ‘Metropark at Woodbridge’ development, which will include Hackensack Meridian Health’s world-class healthcare facility that will lead to new jobs, spurred economic activity, and greater access to healthcare services for local residents."

Following the completion of the HMH Metropark building, a residential building will be constructed with retail on the lower level and approximately 230 residential units. With residential growth in the immediate area around Metropark and surrounding communities, there will be a greater need for accessible healthcare. The Health and Wellness Center will also offer convenient medical care for those travelling the Northeast of the country, including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington DC, along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

Broader transit-oriented development

“This facility is part of a broader transit-oriented development (TOD) project, anchored by Metropark Station – one of the busiest rail stations in our system,” said NJ Transit president and chief executive Kevin S. Corbett. “In addition to providing unparalleled access to a wide spectrum of health services, this project is a perfect example of our broader TOD strategy, in both generating additional non-farebox revenues as well as driving sustainable growth through enhanced public transportation access throughout New Jersey.”

New Jersey State Assembly speaker Craig Coughlin added: “By turning Metropark Station into a modern hub for transit, residence, retail, and business, we’re creating an economic driver for Woodbridge, Middlesex County and the state.”

Hackensack Meridian Health will also consolidate its corporate offices, currently in Edison, at the new Metropark facility. With sustainability a top priority for the health provider, it’s focused on ensuring the building is constructed in a way that is not only aesthetically pleasing but will also qualify for LEED certification.

“Metropark offers Hackensack Meridian Health the amazing opportunity to expand access to quality care by meeting patients in a convenient location they pass through daily,” said Jose Lozano, executive vice-president and chief growth officer for Hackensack Meridian Health. “It also allows HMH to offer an energetic, sustainable and accessible workspace for our team members in a great location, complete with mass transit, retail and healthcare, allowing HMH to continue to attract top talent from across the Northeast.”

The new Health and Wellness Center is scheduled to open in 2025.