Topgolf tees up its third NJ location for site in Parsippany. Here's what you need to know
Parsippany is among the few New Jersey towns that own and operate their own municipal golf courses.
So it's fitting that Morris County's largest municipality will soon become the third Garden State location for the growing chain of mega-sized Topgolf sports and entertainment complexes.
The Dallas-based company, which has 90 venues worldwide, received unanimous approval from Parsippany's Zoning Board of Adjustment last month for a new outpost on Route 46 east, next to Smithfield Park. The project still needs approval from the town Planning Board, though board member Michael dePierro said this week that he does not see any "major hurdles" standing in its way.
"I'm happy about it," said dePierro, an avid golfer who is also on the Township Council. "I think it will be an asset in town. It's something like a $30 million project, so it will be a great ratable. All the golfers I know are excited about it and can't wait for it to open up."
Topgolf coming to Route 46
It will be a while before golfers can tee off, however.
"I think it's going to be a long process," dePierro said. "There are a lot of questions that have to be addressed on the parking, on the traffic. They have to tear down four buildings that have been there a long time. There's a lot of things they will have to do."
But once the Planning Board is satisfied, Parsippany can expect to see a three-story, 67,500-square-foot facility replace four vacant office buildings along the highway. The 10.5-acre lot is between the park and the Troy Hills Shopping Center.
The main focus of activity would be a multi-tier driving range with 102 bays, built on the back of the lot bordering Route 80. Golfers would be hitting across a lighted range toward Route 46. A net supported by 100-foot poles would keep balls on the property.
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What Topgolf offers
The climate-controlled bays typically include two tees, lounge seating for six and HD televisions. The range features huge targets in the field as well as interactive games.
The company's website says Topgolf offers "a modern golf experience where anyone — including people who have never picked up a golf club and those who want to perfect their swing — can participate in the sport in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. You'll take aim at giant targets on the field while playing virtual courses or Topgolf's signature games like Angry Birds."
Food and drink are available at the golf bays, and there are several other entertainment attractions within the facility. They include "loud music, giant targets, giant TVs and a hand-crafted food and beverage menu" according to the site.
"They will need a liquor license, too, because this is a social thing as much as a golf thing," dePierro said.
Topgolf opened its first New Jersey location in 2016 on Route 1 in Edison, with company representatives estimating the facility would produce more than 400 jobs. Its second location is in Mount Laurel.
Parsippany redevelopment
The golf project would be another episode in the radical redevelopment in Parsippany, which has suffered a loss of ratables due to its glut of vacant office properties. Topgolf would replace four such buildings.
Shree Developers LLC purchased the land last year and has since acquired two more properties nearby on Route 46. A Chick-fil-A is already under construction at the site of the demolished Colony Plaza. Shree Developers also bought the Empire Diner and its 1.5-acre lot in February. The diner closed for good last month.
Dr. Bhagirath Maheta is listed as the manager of the Shree properties on development applications.
Several other Parsippany office buildings have been sold and demolished in recent years to make way for new residential and retail projects. The list of major projects under construction around the township includes PARQ, District 15fifteen and 100 Cherry Hill Road. That trio alone will add 1,400 new housing units.
William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com
Twitter: @wwesthoven
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Topgolf clears zoning hurdle for third NJ location in Parsippany
