Renovation and Relocation

Anthony Marinaro renovates a former Kuller Rd. eyesore
by Joe Hawrylko

These days, the real estate market is anything but a sure bet. But Anthony Marinaro defied the odds and his investment in his hometown is already starting to pay dividends.

Marinaro, a 1975 graduate of the now-defunct Paul VI High School, is nearly done with renovations to the building that he purchased at 310 Kuller Rd. The 30,000 sq. ft. facility was the first venture into speculative real estate for Marinaro, President of AJM Contractors, Inc.

This past September, Marinaro entered into a 25 year lease for 26,000 sq. ft. of the property with ImageFirst, an industrial health care laundry specialist with locations throughout the nation.

Sean Crimmins, assistant general manager for ImageFirst’s Clifton location, said the Pennsylvania-based firm selected the Kuller Rd. site because of the availability of local labor, quality water and sewage services and the positive business environment the City of Clifton and Passaic County offers.

Relocating from Essex County, ImageFirst brings roughly 40 employees who will provide laundry services to local health facilities. Crimmins said the company focuses its services to doctors offices and medical centers, such as those on the Clifton Ave. extension. ImageFirst also brings about 10 sales and clerical people to Clifton. The renovations to the laundry area, which are still in progress, are turning this facility into green. Crimmins said one of the environmentally-friendly features is a water reclamation system, allowing ImageFirst to recycle what it uses. There’s also energy efficient lighting, insulation, boilers and state-of-the-art machinery.

While interior and facade renovations are complete, Marinaro said come spring he will put the finals touches on the property with the planting of trees, landscaping, fencing and signage.

Marinaro is using 4,000 sq. ft. of the building for his offices but still maintains his original location in Passaic for the yard and equipment storage.

He added that the renovation and leasing went so well that he recently purchased on spec another 23,000 sq. ft. industrial property in Carlstadt, which Marinaro is renovating. “While contracting is a risky business, I feel comfortable and confident in investing in commercial and industrial real estate,” he explained.