AXA takes space at 500 Plaza Dr.

Hartz Mountain Industries has announced that AXA Equitable, a US affiliate of AXA Group, has leased 100,000 s/f of office space at 500 Plaza Drive at the Harmon Meadow Complex in Secaucus, New Jersey.

One of AXA Equitable's divisions, which previously operated from two locations in Harmon Meadow, has consolidated its offices into a single location at 500 Plaza Drive. The lease follows several notable recent leases at Harmon Meadow, including a 165,000 s/f deal at 200 Plaza Drive that commenced in January, consolidating the regional offices of Ernst & Young.

"The Harmon Meadow complex provides a central location and offers a full range of amenities and services," says Emanuel Stem, president and chief operating officer of Hartz Mountain Industries. "AXA Equitable clearly recognized the value of the location and we are pleased to have them expand with us, and we look forward to serving their evolving office space needs for years to come."

Hartz's recent billboard and print advertising campaign comparing costs for a 100,000 s/f office requirement demonstrated savings of more than $60 million, or 63%, for a New Jersey Meadowlands location rather than one in Manhattan. "The campaign has demonstrated New Jersey's relative affordability and has made tenants aware of the benefits of being in New Jersey," noted Stem.

Harmon Meadow contains 3.5 million sq. ft. of commercial space, including 7 hotels, over 10 restaurants, movie theaters, the Meadowlands Exposition Center, an office park, and retail, including major national chains and charming boutiques. Free onsite parking is another important attraction of the complex - in Ernst & Young's case Hartz constructed a new deck exclusively for the company's use.

Harmon Meadow's access to major highways and infrastructure has been a natural draw for office tenants, retailers and restaurants for more than 20 years. Harmon Meadow is located three miles from the Lincoln Tunnel at the confluence of Route 3 and the NJ Turnpike. Harmon Meadow East and West are divided by the New Jersey Turnpike, but connected by an overpass located within Harmon Meadow development and are directly accessible from Route 3 East/West and the New Jersey Turnpike at Exit 17 Southbound and 16E Northbound. Free shuttle service to and from Harmon Meadow and the Secaucus Junction Rail Station is available.