Rowan University has announced plans for a massive $690 million West Campus development which will utilize 220 acres at the intersection of Route 55 and Route 322 in Harrison/Glassboro
The large-scale project brings together two major initiatives: the Rowan University Wellness Village and the Rowan University Center for Manufacturing Innovation.
Altogether the development is projected to generate $14.3 million in annual tax revenue, create about 4,200 construction jobs, and support roughly 900 permanent jobs in Gloucester County.
Image: Rowan University
Many South Jersey residents already know this area as the home of the newer Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, which opened in 2019 and is currently undergoing a large expansion. This new effort will be developed so that the Inspira and Rowan properties integrate and compliment each other.
(Note: just on the other side of Route 55 in Richwood a large 10 building warehouse project was approved. They are moving through the process to get individual approvals on the project aspects)
The Rowan West Campus property sits about one mile west of the main Glassboro campus and Rowan Boulevard. Even with the scale of this project, the university still has significant land available on the West Campus for future expansion.
Image: Google Maps, Rowan and 42Freeway
Rowan University Wellness Village
The Wellness Village will be developed on the south side of Route 322 next to the Inspira hospital campus and is designed as an intergenerational community centered around health, lifestyle, and wellness.
Rowan officials reference the concept of “Blue Zones,” communities designed to support healthy living and longevity.
Plans for the village include a mix of housing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare facilities.
Image: Rowan University
Highlights of the project include:
• 1,000 residential units
• 56,000 sq ft retail center (developed where the current “turf” fields are located)
• 160-room hotel and conference center
• Inspira Medical office and administrative building
• 40,000 sq ft Rowan Community Wellness Institute
The residential portion will feature a variety of housing options including:
• 250 market-rate residential units
• 410 homes for purchase including townhomes and single-family homes (with 20% designated as affordable housing)
• 340 continuum-of-care retirement units, including 96 active-adult homes for residents 55+
The design spreads the housing across multiple blocks but keeps everything closely connected to create a walkable village-style community.
Rowan University President – Ali A. Houshmand
“What we are proposing is transformational in scope and impact,” Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand said. “It is a bold vision for the region, well beyond the 220 acres of our project, something that will spur growth throughout the county and South Jersey. The Wellness Village provides a planned living-learning community anchored in education, health and wellness. Our Center for Manufacturing Innovation will act as a powerful catalyst to attract researchers and investors interested in leveraging Rowan’s research expertise and facilities.”
Center for Manufacturing Innovation
Across Route 322 on the north side of the West Campus, Rowan will develop the Rowan University Center for Manufacturing Innovation (RCMI). This property is already home to the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan, and the Rowan Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine.
The center will focus on advanced manufacturing research, industry collaboration, and workforce training, offering companies access to research space, fabrication equipment, and opportunities to work alongside Rowan faculty and students.
RCMI will be anchored by four engineering research institutes:
• Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Institute
• Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems
• Machine & Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Center
• Digital Engineering Hub
RCMI Building Concept Rendering – Image: Rowan University
West Campus – North New Facilities
Several other major facilities are already planned or under development on the north side of the campus.
These include:
• Rowan University Center for Manufacturing Innovation (350,000 sq ft)
• Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions, with the nursing education building scheduled to open March 2026
• Samuel Jones Innovation Center, currently home to more than 20 research and development tenants
• Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems, featuring testing facilities and labs
Image: Rowan University
Rowan West Campus Timeline
At this time Rowan has not announced a timeline as a project of this scope will need considerable coordination and approvals from numerous entities.
With the project being developed in Harrison Township and Glassboro, Rowan University officials will meet with planning boards and Councils of both municipalities… sharing project details publicly through town hall meetings starting this spring.
The project will be delivered through a public-private development model which will see Rowan collaborating with Development Partners on a phased in implementation.
Once all of the approvals and other details are worked out, construction timelines with initial phases will be determined.
Links and Location
Rowan West Campus
Route 322 at Route 55
Harrison Twp and Glassboro
