Bergen Town Center in Paramus is in the midst of a major refresh—new tenants, a reimagined look, and even nearby housing in the pipeline. It’s the kind of momentum we love to support, because “Reinforcing Your Vision” isn’t just our motto—it’s our job description.

One of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in this transformation is a ramp/bridge structure that long housed the MIDAS service facility. KSG served as Structural Engineer for the evaluation, demolition planning, redesign, and rebuild of this structure—delivered in coordinated phases to keep the broader campus moving forward.

Phase 1: Diagnose → Design → Deliver a New Concrete Bridge

Early in the program, KSG performed a detailed review and analysis of the existing ramp/bridge. The verdict: it no longer met current loading demands for today’s traffic and emergency vehicle service needs.

Our team designed a new, robust concrete bridge structure to replace it—prioritizing:

• Capacity & code compliance for modern service loads and future flexibility.

• Durability through improved detailing, waterproofing paths, and corrosion resistance.

• Constructability with phasing that allowed site operations and adjacent retail traffic to be maintained.

KSG’s scope covered structural evaluation, demolition sequencing input, temporary stability considerations of retaining walls, and the full structural design package for the replacement bridge, including foundations, superstructure, and interface details to existing grade and site elements.

Phase 2: Extending the Structure for What’s Next—First Watch!

With the bridge up and running, KSG designed the structural extension needed to support new storefront framing and rooftop mechanical systems serving First Watch, the daytime café concept that opened this week at 1 Bergen Town Center. The phase included:

• Storefront steel and slab edge coordination for clean glazing lines and weatherproofing continuity.

• Dedicated mechanical support steel sized for current RTUs with reserve capacity for future equipment changes.

• Vibration and deflection criteria tailored to restaurant use and comfort expectations.

We coordinated closely with the architect, the retailer’s prototype standards, MEP, and the construction team to thread structural performance through tight construction deadlines and re-use of existing building geometry.

   

Why It Matters to Paramus (and to Bergen Town Center)

Bergen Town Center is an everyday destination with high visit counts and evolving tenant mix. The bridge replacement and structural extension work are quiet upgrades that unlock visible change—new food & beverage, refreshed façades, and safer, more resilient circulation.

Recent news underscores that momentum—from Bergen Town Center’s rebrand and redevelopment activities to new dining like First Watch now open on site.