Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
No. The former Bell Laboratories campus in Holmdel, New Jersey, was not returned to its former research-laboratory use. It was adapted into Bell Works, a mixed-use destination for offices, retail, dining, hospitality, culture and public activity. Some notable design features were retained or refreshed, but that is different from restoring the building to its former function.
Which Bell Labs building is this?
This article concerns Bell Laboratories-Holmdel in New Jersey, now called Bell Works—not the former Bell Labs complex in Manhattan, which became Westbeth Artists’ Housing. The National Park Service’s historic-place record describes the Holmdel campus and its architectural, landscape and scientific significance: Bell Laboratories-Holmdel. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission record, by contrast, concerns the Manhattan property: designation reports.
What happened to the Holmdel research campus?
The National Park Service dates construction to 1959–1966 and says the building served as a research and development facility for Bell Laboratories and its successor, Alcatel-Lucent, from 1959 to 2007. The site was designed by Eero Saarinen and Associates, with Hideo Sasaki responsible for the campus landscape. Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo oversaw east and west additions from 1982 to 1985, designed to preserve the original building’s configuration, volume, massing, circulation pattern and material palette. The National Park Service’s history and designation record provides the dates and context.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Somerset Development acquired the property in 2013 and undertook its redevelopment with Alexander Gorlin Architects and other participants. The adaptive-reuse project changed the building from a research headquarters into a mixed-use town center. Docomomo-US’s account of the project describes that reuse.
#1 Best Overall
What was preserved—and what “restored” means here
The Holmdel building’s identity rests on more than its former use: its modernist architecture, mirrored glass, atria, flexible office-and-laboratory layout, corridors and landscaped suburban campus all contribute to its character. The reuse kept recognizable architectural cues while adapting the property for contemporary tenants and visitors.
Bell Works says the atrium floor pattern draws inspiration from Josef Albers and that the lobby conversation pit was refreshed and restored. Those are examples of work on selected features, not evidence that the entire building was returned to its original condition. Bell Works describes its current mix of business and culture on its official site; Docomomo-US documents the project as adaptive reuse.
Rank #2
The property’s heritage status is formal: the National Park Service says Bell Laboratories-Holmdel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 26, 2017, under reference number 16000223. That listing recognizes the site’s significance; it does not mean the former laboratory function was reinstated or guarantee access to every part of the property.
What is Bell Works used for now?
Bell Works presents itself as a destination for business and culture, with offices, retail, dining and hospitality. Its site says it is open to the public seven days a week. The National Park Service describes it as privately managed, with some areas open to the public. Taken together, those descriptions support general public access, not unrestricted entry to every tenant space, event or interior area. Check Bell Works’ current visitor information for hours, tours and any specific access rules before making a trip.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does Bell Works report about its solar glass roof?
Bell Works says its glass ceiling contains more than 3,000 photovoltaic panes across 60,000 square feet. The operator reports that the system has a stated capacity of 180 kW and supplies power for 20 percent of common-area needs and EV charging stations. These are operator-published figures; the cited material does not independently verify them or provide actual annual electricity output. See Bell Works’ site for its description.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Clock Tower Book Nook Kit: Bells echo across the ancient European square. An astronomical clock dial tracks the paths of distant stars, while mechanical hands mark the flow of time. A magnificent ritual unfolds, brought to life by intricate gears.
- Touch & Sensor Lighting: Tonecheer DIY booknook kits for adults feature a touch light and a smart auto-sensing light. The auto-sensing light turns on when you approach and automatically turns off after 1 to 2 minutes. The sensing distance varies between 0.5 and 3 metres depending on environmental temperatures. The touch light provides constant gentle illumination until you switch it off.
- Clear Illustration: The assembly process takes about 6-8 hours. The 3D wooden puzzle book end comes with clear picture instructions to make your assembly process smoother. The mini craft building kit is suitable for you to install with friends or family for a nice relaxing time.
- Fantastic Gift: The Tonecheer DIY miniature kit is not only a bookshelf decoration, but also a delicate gift suitable for family and friends. The handmade book nook tales is also a surprise gift for holidays such as birthdays, festival and other holidays, or for special occasions such as a friend's party.
- Note: The package will include an acrylic Dust Cover. Kindly note that batteries and glue will NOT be included in the package due to air freight restrictions. You need to prepare 3 batteries (AA type) and Craft Adhesives & Glues or 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
