A New Kind of Suburban Revival
Across the country, once-bustling corporate headquarters sit empty– reminders of a time when single tenants occupied massive suburban campuses. But in an era defined by hybrid work and a demand for lifestyle-oriented spaces, a new model has emerged to breathe life back into these properties: the Metroburb.
Coined by Ralph Zucker, CEO+ President of Inspired by Somerset Development, the Metroburb represents a bold new vision, “a self-contained metropolis in suburbia.”
It’s an ecosystem that merges the best of both worlds: the energy and amenities of an urban core, set within the space, accessibility, and ease of the suburbs.
What Exactly Is a Metroburb?
Metroburb (noun) /ˈmetrəˌbərb/
An urban hub. A metropolis in suburbia.
Think of it as a large-scale mixed-use community that combines office, retail, dining, entertainment, health, wellness, and cultural experiences – all under one roof. It’s where people come not just to work, but to live, connect, and thrive.
The First Metroburb: Bell Works New Jersey
The concept first came to life at the historic Bell Labs complex in Holmdel, New Jersey.
For decades, the 2-million-square-foot building was a powerhouse of innovation, where engineers and scientists shaped the technologies of the 20th century. But after being vacated in 2007, the site sat empty until Somerset Development saw an opportunity.
Through visionary design and community-forward planning, the space was transformed into Bell Works New Jersey: a vibrant destination that now hosts shops, restaurants, wellness centers, events, coworking and traditional office spaces.
It’s open to the public daily, drawing thousands of visitors for everything from rooftop yoga and farmers markets to networking events and conferences, proving that a workplace can be more than just a place to work.
Expanding the Vision: Bell Works Chicagoland
The success of Holmdel sparked a second act in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, where a 1.65-million-square-foot former AT&T headquarters is being reimagined as Bell Works Chicagoland.
The building was originally designed by Dirk Lohan and has been reimagined by Inspired by Somerset Development, Wight & Company, and npz studio+.
This $200 million redevelopment has already earned national recognition, including the 2025 ICSC Excellence in Community Advancement Award for Urban/Suburban Redevelopment, a testament to how the Metroburb model continues to evolve and inspire.
The Next Chapter: Bell Works Fort Monmouth (Opening Fall 2025)
The Metroburb movement is expanding once again, but this time to the Jersey Shore.
Bell Works Fort Monmouth will bring the energy and innovation of the Metroburb to Tinton Falls, New Jersey, transforming another iconic site with a bold vision for modern work and community life.
Inspired by the success of Bell Works New Jersey and Bell Works Chicagoland, the new campus will blend offices, coworking, retail, dining, and green outdoor spaces, offering a new hub for the region’s growing innovation corridor.
This expansion marks the next evolution of the Metroburb model, one that continues to reimagine how people connect, create, and collaborate in spaces that are designed to adapt to the future.
Why Companies Are Flocking to the Metroburb
1. Built for the Future of Work
Zucker designed Bell Works with adaptability at its core.
“We were able to get people excited to return to the office because they have everything they need in one place,” he explains. “Want to work out before work? No need to rush. Need a haircut during lunch? No problem.”
In a world where employees value flexibility and experience, that convenience is key.
2. Designed for Connection
Unlike traditional office parks, Bell Works is intentionally open and communal. From coLab coworking spaces to shared atriums and cafés, every detail encourages collaboration and interaction–not isolation.
3. A Magnet for Talent
For employers, leasing in a Metroburb means more than a workspace; it’s an amenity-rich environment that helps attract and retain top talent. Employees can enjoy access to wellness centers, salons, child care, restaurants, and wellness services, all without leaving the building.
4. A Hub for Community
Bell Works isn’t just for tenants. With public events, fundraisers, markets, and seasonal celebrations, the line between office and community space blurs. On any given day, Bell Works NJ welcomes up to 6,000 visitors, and yes, dogs are always welcome. Whether it’s a morning coffee walk or a sunny afternoon on the Roof Deck, the Metroburb is designed for everyone to feel at home.
The Future of the Metroburb
What began as a bold experiment in adaptive reuse has become a blueprint for the future of suburban redevelopment. Bell Works has become the blueprint for the future of work, and with new projects like Bell Works Fort Monmouth on the horizon, the Metroburb model continues to expand, redefining how people experience work, leisure, and community in a post-pandemic world. Because in a Metroburb, connection is built into the architecture, and that’s something no remote work policy can replicate.
