Blackwood West Redevelopment

Downtown Blackwood West is Gloucester Township’s traditional “main street”.  The area previously served as the Township’s main shopping area until the municipality underwent rapid growth following World War II.  The Township has targeted the district, identified by its two-story buildings and traditional first-floor storefronts with upper story apartments, as the focus of a town center revitalization initiative.   

In 2004 the Township designated the neighborhood as a redevelopment zone.  Since then, the Township attracted new businesses to serve as anchors for future revitalization efforts.   A new Eckerd pharmacy was constructed at the corner of Church Street and the Black Horse Pike, as well as a new Walgreens at the intersection of Almonesson Road and the Black Horse Pike.  The sites were built utilizing design standards and landscape treatments typical of “Main Street” development.  Both projects included upgraded architecture and the installation of decorative streetlights and landscaping. 

Blackwood Redevelopment Corporation’s redevelopment of the former David Stevens building in Blackwood is a major advancement in the revitalization of Gloucester Township’s historic downtown.  The $2.5 million project transformed the run-down site into a first-class catering facility and banquet hall, now known as The Palace. 

As part of the project, two banquet rooms were created: the Beau Palais and the Garden Room.  The Beau Palais is the grander of the two rooms and can accommodate up to 450 guests. It has a curved staircase that lands on the dance floor, a gas fireplace and bridal suites for the bride, groom and bridal party. The Garden Room has a standard staircase with seating for up to 350 guests, a gas fireplace, bridal suites and access to a beautiful garden.   

Future plans for expansion include the addition of another small catering hall, a chapel adjacent to the main facility, and eleven office suites for wedding-related businesses. Within 18 months, Blackwood Redevelopment hopes to convert an existing warehouse at the rear of the site to suites for out-of-town guests.

The Palace celebrated its grand opening in February 2006.  For more information, visit www.paris-caterers.com.