NJ Turnpike/Marriott

The New Jersey Turnpike Auth has approved a contract under which Host Marriott Tollroads Inc will provide $25m out of an estimated $41m needed to refurbish buildings at eleven turnpike service areas. It extends the Marriott franchise 15 years in return for their investments. The Turnpike had Marriott upgrade the Molly Pitcher service area in Jamesburg and this is regarded as a model for the new upgrades. Under the plan the John Fenwick and Clara Barton service centers toward the southern end of the turnpike and the Joyce Kilmer (NB E.Brunswick) and Vince Lombardi (on the Meadowlands at the northern end of the pike) centers will be renovated first off. Emphasis will be on the open ‘food court’ style of interior architecture which also has the advantage of sharing some tables between vendors. Some of the restaurants will be closed for some of the construction period but trailers will provide temporary service. All eleven renovations are due for completion by 2003. The Turnpike will provide $16m toward the program.