The Crossings at Brick Church Station Redevelopment is a pivotal project for East Orange and the surrounding region, transforming a previously underutilized, auto-oriented shopping center into a vibrant, accessible mixed-use destination. Utilizing the Brick Church NJ TRANSIT rail station, which has direct access to Manhattan, the project reimagines a car-centric site that no longer reflects neighborhood travel patterns. By introducing new residential and mixed-use spaces, improving access to rail and bus services, and integrating Complete Streets principles, the project supports a walkable, urban environment—setting a model for repurposing aging retail properties across New Jersey.
To realize this vision, VHB provided comprehensive transportation, environmental, and civil engineering services, including parking and traffic studies, air quality and noise analyses, and NEPA documentation preparation. The team coordinated closely with NJ TRANSIT, NJDOT, Essex County, and the City of East Orange, while also supporting FRA and FTA funding efforts to align the project with federal transit and rail programs.
At the heart of this success is VHB’s deep relationship with Triangle Equities. What began as a modest assignment evolved over a decade into a complex, community-focused redevelopment. From early concept planning and entitlements through complex stakeholder engagement and regulatory navigation, VHB helped secure approvals, reduce risk, and deliver a transformative, transit-focused redevelopment that benefits residents, commuters, and the broader region.
