Ewing, N.J. office space debuts above mall.

Levin Management Corporation's 1001 Spruce Office Center and Capitol Plaza Shopping Center in Ewing, N.J., recently received the 1999 MAXI Merit Award for leasing support, from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the shopping center industry's leading trade organization.

The honor recognizes Levin's innovative and successful marketing campaign and leasing effort following a multi-million dollar mixed-use redevelopment at the property.

In 1998, Levin created 1001 Spruce Office Center by converting 130,000 square feet of basically unrentable second-floor retail space at the 40-year-old, 325,000-square-foot Capitol Plaza to office space. "After U.S. Route 1 was moved away from the center, Capitol Plaza struggled to maintain high occupancy rates, and it was our belief that introducing the office component would help us in the leasing of the remaining retail space, some 85,000 square feet as the project began," explained David Silver, Levin's corporate director of marketing. "And in Mercer County's tight office market, 1001 Spruce Office Center has been highly-marketable."

The two-story building includes its own parking, and a distinct facade that is highlighted by a large expanse of perimeter windows and an arched two-story entryway. Inside, 1001 Spruce Office Center features an attractive lobby, along with upgraded HVAC, electrical and communications systems which include the latest technological capabilities for high-tech users.

Levin Management Corporation launched an intensive marketing campaign to introduce 1001 Spruce Office Center to prospective tenants. This included the development of a property logo that features a spruce tree. It appears on the building's prominent roadside signage, as well as on marketing materials as a cutout reflecting the individuality of the building.