It was in February 1979 that Chubb & Sons insurance corporation unveiled its plans to build a $50 million corporate headquarters complex on a 137-acre tract on the south side of Rt. 78 near the Martinsville-Liberty Corner Rd. interchange. "It was proven again last week that the as yet incomplete Route 78 will have a major impact on the community," wrote the Echoes-Sentinel, "as Chubb becomes the second major company within a six-month period to announce a multi-million dollar project here." "In October, AT&T announced its contract to purchase 188 acres of land a few miles east on Rt. 78 at the King George Rd. interchange. While AT&T officials say they have come up with no specific plans yet for the development of the $5.1 million Studebaker-Worthington property, there is speculation that AT&T is planning a headquarters similar to its Basking Ridge facility." "Chubb, which currently has offices in Short Hills and Summit, plans to construct a six-building complex, the first of which is expected to be completed in l983." According to later reports, the first building to be erected was the company's main headquarters, a 450,000 sq. ft. structure designed to house 1500 employees. Chubb officials told the town that the Warren location was chosen because of its proximity to the Short Hills and Summit offices and because Rt. 78 is a major link to other highways, and when completed, to Newark International Airport. Echoes-Sentinel, 2/1/1979. |