Old Snuff Mill in Helmetta Converted to Luxury Rentals

HELMETTA, NJ - The tiny town of Helmetta has been known for its snuff mill, a large brick factory that closed in 1993 after more than 100 years in business.

Today, that abandoned snuff mill has been converted into a 200-unit rental complex renamed the “Lofts at Helmetta.” The rental complex is located at Railroad Avenue and Main Street in Helmetta. The lofts are now open to rent and rents for one bedrooms start at $1,515. There are also 20 two-bedroom townhouses where rents begin at $2,295.

The building includes amenities such as an outdoor heated saltwater pool, a natural gas fire pit, barbeques, a tennis court, two basketball courts, a pavilion and the short walk to Lake Marquerite, where there are nature trails and kayaking.

The Lofts at Helmetta also features a 3,700-square-foot resident lounge, open 24 hours a day, which includes spaces for residents to meet, work and play. There is a game room, a gym, a café and a play area for kids, as well as a variety of monthly social programs for residents, such as a wine and art party, a comedy night and a photo booth.

“These lofts are tremendous for the town; it is absolutely amazing what they have done,” said Helmetta Mayor Chris Slavicek. “This is a beautiful project, a 100 percent win-win. It brings new vibrancy to Helmetta."

Interestingly, Slavicek's 62-year-old father, Ed, worked in the snuff mill until its final days.

Lofts at Helmetta has maintained many original features of the old snuff plant, is pet friendly and includes free Wi-Fi. Kaplan Companies of Highland Park is the developer.

Photo credit: Jim Greipp/Pau Hana Productions