Hartz Mountain, Ford Motor work on Edison's Lifestyle.

Hartz Mountain Industries and Ford Motor Company have completed a transaction for the purchase of the site of the former Ford plant in Edison, N.J., a 100-acre parcel on Route 1, along one of the premier suburban retail thoroughfares in the Northeast.

The site's e18 buildings were razed last year and the land is in the final stages of preparation for redevelopment.

Hartz Mountain intends to develop a "Lifestyle Center," a contemporary concept that would include stores, entertainment, hospitality and office space providing a multi-use destination attraction.

"We have multiple options for the land, but in a near-unanimous voice the community has asked for a well-balanced lifestyle center with a community-oriented facility," said Emanuel Stern, president of Hartz Mountain Industries.

Hartz Mountain undertook a broad communications program last year to provide opportunities for Edison residents to express their views on the new development, including public meetings and a developer's website. The company has been in continued discussions with consultants concerning its plans for the site.