By Joshua Burd
In a shocking turn of fate, the former Toys R Us headquarters in Wayne has found new ownership—and no, they aren’t planning to resurrect the beloved toy empire. Instead, Dobco Inc. has decided that the only way forward is to tap the wonders of JLL. Because if there’s one thing we know about transforming a nostalgic toy kingdom into a mixed-use marvel, it’s that corporate giants must step in to do the magic trick of the century.
With an extravagant complex of 630,000 square feet just waiting to be reimagined, JLL’s brokers are enthusiastic about hopping on this corporate merry-go-round. They’ll be working as leasing agents for One Geoffrey Way, which, fun fact, is a stone’s throw from Route 202. Dobco Inc., that local contractor with more dreams than it has construction materials, is visioning a glamorous future filled with Class A offices, flex spaces, and even retail. Yes, you too can eventually buy overpriced adult toys in what was once a toy haven.
Leading this grand leasing adventure are Frank D. Recine, Christopher DeLorenzo, and Brendan McBride from JLL—an ensemble cast who bring an impressive resume to the table. They’ve teamed up with Silbert Realty’s Brian Silbert and David Greenman, presumably because two firms combine to create one super firm capable of charging even more for rent. Who needs a superhero when you can just call a commercial realtor?
As Recine eloquently puts it, “The complex at One Geoffrey Way is a world-class facility with a great story.” A story so compelling, it could rival a summer blockbuster. This campus, once a bustling nerve center full of good-natured cynicism over toy acquisition, is poised for a rebirth that’s being designed to cater to “highly amenitized and modern experience.” Because modern experiences are very in right now—especially when they involve high rents and lofty expectations.
Acquired early last year after the raucous bankruptcy and liquidation of Toys R Us—a joyful event reminiscent of a child discovering they’re out of bubble wrap—Dobco’s ambitions appear boundless. The 191-acre campus, built in 1962, formerly served as a corporate playground for American Cyanamid. Obviously, it now needs a facelift worthy of a reality TV makeover show.
JLL’s news release told us about the complex’s incredible offerings: two interconnected office buildings totalling 575,000 square feet and a single-story flex building with about 55,000 square feet of pure potential. The crowning jewel? A five-story Main Building that offers sprawling floorplates. Truly, if space were a luxury yacht, this would be the Titanic—unfortunately less likely to sink, but equally grand.
And let’s not forget the six-story, 160,000-square-foot Terrace Building, bragging about its mid-century modern vibes. Because nothing says “we’re on the cutting edge of architectural design” like scattered outdoor terraces that could also double as a fabulous place for a game of musical chairs. Who needs a traditional office environment when you can work amongst the medley of nature and urban design?
