A local developer’s vision of converting a former firehouse and office space into a dining and event venue has taken a step forward, and further clarity on the matter could emerge by the end of the summer.
During their June 11 meeting, Jersey City’s Council voted unanimously to advance a resolution looking to study the property at 155 Morgan Street. The vacant building was once owned by Queen Latifah and used as offices for her Flavor Unit production company before sitting vacant in recent years.
Silverman, who are behind many Downtown revitalization developments in Jersey City, currently own the land and are hoping to turn it into a restaurant and banquet hall with event space. The property is currently included in Jersey City’s Scatter Site Redevelopment Plan, which does not allow retail use above the ground floor.
To remedy this, Silverman is asking Jersey City to instead include the property in the Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan to allow the restaurant facility. The proposed changes are now slated to be reviewed by the Planning Board, which could consider them during their August 12 meeting.
Any restaurant venue at the property still has a way to go in terms of the approval process. If the Planning Board signs off on the proposed changes, the plan would then be sent back to the City Council for final approval.
The property, first built in 1906, is also protected by the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission, meaning they would need to sign off on any modifications that would potentially need to be made to the building.
A liquor license could also potentially be sought for the property, which would require a transfer from another site. Silverman recently acquired the liquor license for the Golden Cicada property, which they recently purchased, and will be redeveloping it into a two-tower complex.
The Council’s resolution did not state who could operate the possible restaurant venue at the property, but if the zoning changes proceed, further details could emerge later this year.
