A vacant lot near one of Jersey City’s largest green spaces looks like it will finally get a proper revitalization as local officials have greenlighted plans that have been in the works for years.
Jersey City’s Zoning Board recently approved an application to revamp several plots at 136 Delaware Avenue. The properties, situated not far from Lincoln Park, run from the road’s corner with Gautier Avenue and are mostly vacant, besides some surface parking.
A prior plan for the properties that was approved way back in 2016 is the basis of the newest approvals, but the development will differ a bit from that version. According to testimony given by the developer’s attorney at a March Zoning Board meeting, the company behind the plan changed aspects of the project after meeting with the community to address their concerns.
Designed by Emara Ghobrial Architects, the five-story development is set to top out at just over 54 feet tall. The ground floor of the property will consist of a parking garage that will be accessed on Delaware Avenue that includes space for 52 cars.
Per an agreement with the neighboring condo association at the former St. Aloysius Church, ten of the parking spaces in the new building will be shared with their residents.
The remainder of the building will consist of 54 residential units that skew larger per the neighborhood’s preferences, breaking down as follows: four studios, 12 one-bedrooms, 30 two-bedrooms, and eight three-bedroom units.
The development’s second floor will sport an interior patio, and each residential unit will include a private terrace that overlooks the landscaping. Other perks for future residents include a fully equipped gym and a 3,800-square-foot common roof deck.
The development is slated to utilize a combination of light and dark grey veneer bricks on the exterior and it is designed to look like five connected buildings along Gautier Avenue. Portions of the roof will feature cornices, while overhanging planters with flowers will be utilized on portions of the roof.
The development is owned by Frank Peraza, who was behind the condo conversion at the former St. Aloysius Convent directly next door. The 136 Delaware project is considered to be the second phase of that project, and construction is expected to begin next year.
