In 2008, Glassboro Mayor Leo McCabe, municipal officials and then-Rowan President Donald Farish unveiled plans for Rowan Boulevard, an ambitious $300 million redevelopment project leading from the east edge of campus to the borough’s business district. Upon completion, the 1/3 mile Boulevard will be a walkable, mixed use community that expands the University's vital core and drives reinvestment in Glassboro's historic downtown.
Arts District:
The Boulevard is only a portion of the planned redevelopment by Glassboro. The Master Plan for the Downtown Redevelopment also includes the designation of West High Street as a retail and professional services area and East High Street as an arts and entertainment district. The entire Glassboro revitalization, including the Boulevard, is expected to draw more than 125 new retail stores, infusing the local economy with more than $225 million annually.
Smart Growth:
Recognized with a 2009 Smart Growth award from NJ Future, a statewide policy and research group that advocates responsible planning, Rowan Boulevard was designed to revitalize Glassboro's aging downtown shopping district as a walkable community. Located at the center of the fastest growing region in the state, the project to date has created more than 400 construction jobs and more than 700 permanent positions are anticipated upon completion.
"It's a perfect example of smart growth," said McCabe. "We're rebuilding our infrastructure and we're not sprawling out."
A Win-Win Situation:
“This project addresses many of our most pressing needs,” noted former President Farish. “Students, both prospective and current, are demanding safe, upscale apartment-style housing—which Rowan desperately needs more of. They want something to do beyond our borders, but close to campus. And, those who want or need to work while enrolled here want to have more opportunities nearby. This project provides it all.”
“Dr. Farish and I firmly believe that as Glassboro goes, so goes Rowan—and vice versa,” said McCabe. “This project will be a boon to the borough and the University, leading to a transformation many college towns will want to emulate.”
