Citing its “dynamic location” at the crossroads of Routes 57/31 in Washington Borough, the developer of the new CVS saw the potential for a prime spot in CVS’s further expansion into Warren County.

Project development is now in full swing, with completion expected sometime in the early spring.

“My team was looking for the right location for a new CVS and that bustling intersection is it,” said Katie Karkus, managing partner of the development company. “It seems like everybody from a 25-mile radius has to drive through this intersection, coming and going to points east and west or north and south. It’s a very unique location.”

Working closely with town officials and working within the Borough’s Master Plan, Karkus noted that the project had the support of many, including Borough manager Matt Hall, the planning board and the Washington Business Improvement District (WBID). 

“We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive atmosphere,” she said during an informal “thank you” gathering with local officials at the site recently. 

“CVS choosing our town is something that we think will get other developers’ attention,” said Mayor Dave Higgins. “It’s a location that will attract an amazing amount of people. We think that this will be the start of something really, really good.”

When the project is completed, residents will see a new prototype ‘Colonial’ look designed by CVS. Special details, such as the goose neck outdoor lighting, and LAP Siding will give this CVS a different finish.

“Pretty much everything we asked of the developer has been done,” noted Hall. “They stepped up to the plate to meet our needs as well as theirs.”  

While some businesses were forced to hold up on development plans due to COVID, providing the community with a full-service pharmacy was deemed an ‘essential’ development. 

“There is a lot of potential and good things happening in Washington Borough,” said Karkus. “We’re excited to be part of it.”

CVS currently has a smaller less visible location in the Borough on Belvidere Avenue, at the former Quick Chek. When the new building is ready, the operation will move uptown and consolidate into the larger thoughtfully designed new store.

“CVS is going to do very well at its new location, that’s for sure,” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the WBID. “You couldn’t pick a more prominent spot than the corners of Routes 57 and 31!”