Somerset Development Announces Lease with IFF at Bell Works in Holmdel

On Jul 27, 2017

Somerset Development announced a 15-year office lease agreement with International Flavors & Fragrances (‘IFF’) at Bell Works, the revitalization of the renowned two-million-square-foot Bell Laboratories into the iconic “metroburb” located in Holmdel. IFF, a leading innovator of sensory experiences, will occupy 60,000 square feet for its creative lab.

Jeff Garibaldi, President, Tara Keating, Vice President, and Kyle Mahoney, Vice President, of The Garibaldi Group –  Bell Works’ exclusive office leasing agency – represented Somerset Development in the transaction. CBRE’s Edward DaCosta, Executive Vice President, Lynnelle Noll, First Vice President, Gil Hutzler, Executive Vice President, and Mindy Lissner, Executive Vice President, represented IFF.

IFF, an innovator of scent, taste, and touch experiences, uses consumer insights, R&D, creativity, and leading sustainability practices to design and manufacture flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic actives that are used in a variety of widely consumed fine fragrances, beauty and homecare products, as well as beloved and iconic foods and beverages. The company leverages a passionate, creative, expert and empowered team of 7,400 globally to develop differentiated offerings for the creators of consumer products.

“IFF is proud of its long history of innovating firsts, and we are thrilled to connect our legacy with that of Bell Works, the home of so many breakthrough developments.  As we create the future of fragrance for home care and fabric care, I look forward to IFF’s contributions to the story of this extraordinary place.” said Nicolas Mirzayantz, Group President, Fragrances, for IFF.  “We see this as a unique opportunity to further drive innovation and establish an exciting new home for our people and our customers.”

“IFF has long been one of the most exciting and innovative companies in the Central Jersey region, and it’s only fitting that they’ve found a new home at Bell Works,” said Ralph Zucker, President of Somerset Development. “Today, the building is bustling with businesses and individuals from all backgrounds, as the true vision for New Jersey’s largest metroburb continues to unfold. IFF is a perfect addition to an environment that harnesses such a unique sense of collaboration and creation.”

Mindy Lissner of CBRE added: “Following an extensive statewide search, our team concluded that Bell Works would offer IFF an aspirational and inspirational home for the relocation of their Hazlet creative center. Bell Works represents a unique opportunity for IFF to establish an exciting new home and innovative environment for its employees and customers.”

The Bell Works community is growing rapidly, with recent lease signings including anchor tenant iCIMS, a leading provider of innovative Software-as-a-service (SaaS) talent acquisition solutions, and a headquarters lease with cloud-based business management and fleet management solutions company WorkWave. Other prominent commercial tenants include: Guardian Life Insurance; Acacia Communications, a recognized optical transmissions manufacturer; Jersey Central Power and Light; MetTel, a New York City-based telecommunications firm; McCann Systems LLC, a national audiovisual company; NVIDIA Corporation, a publicly traded multi-platform technology firm; Spirent Communications, an international telecommunications firm; Suttons International, a worldwide logistics company; Symbolic IO, a data storage company that recently launched its innovative platform; and vi Collaboration Hub, a co-working space and networking group for technology companies and innovators in the region.

Additionally, Bell Works is unveiling various new features open to the public, including the Holmdel Township Library and Learning Center, which will feature a host of upgrades, including new educational programs and services, as well as updated technological infrastructure and a museum dedicated to preserving the building’s unique history. The building also recently opened its new rooftop deck and lounge, allowing tenants and visitors to enjoy a lunch or coffee break overlooking Bell Works’ pristine, scenic grounds.

Originally constructed between 1962 and 1964 by world-renowned modernist architect Eero Saarinen, the building is revered for its role in spurring the development of some of the world’s foremost inventions and research concepts. In its 40-plus year history as the research headquarters for Bell Laboratories, Lucent, and Alcatel-Lucent, the building housed a total of seven Nobel Prize winners, who conceived theories for the laser, the Big Bang theory, cellular technology, the transistor, and more.

Related Articles: