A relic of Jersey City’s past could be meeting the wrecking ball as a new mixed-use project has been greenlit along one of the city’s major retail corridors.
During their July 14 meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board unanimously approved a plan to revamp 167-169 Newark Avenue. The property is home to 99¢ Dream outpost, one of the few dollar stores still remaining in Jersey City’s Downtown.
The property sits along the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, where several other newer developments have broken ground in recent years. The property next door, 165 Newark Avenue, is currently being expanded into a 51-unit development with retail space.
The company behind the latest development along the stretch is known simply as 167-169 Newark Ave Realty LLC and registered out of Somerset. The existing building would be torn down under the plan, as it was constructed during the 1980s according to city records and lacks any historical significance.
Designed by Emara Chobrial Architects, the future development at 167 Newark Avenue would rise four stories and 48 feet tall. It is slated to include a total of 15 residences, breaking down as three one-bedrooms. nine two-bedrooms, and a trio of three-bedroom spaces.
Like many properties along this stretch of Newark Avenue, the lot goes through to neighboring Columbus Drive. That portion of the development will have a significantly slenderer profile than the Newark Avenue side of the project.
The ground floor of the development will sport 4,641 square feet of retail space that can be entered on both sides of the building in keeping with Newark Avenue’s vibe. An additional residential lobby will also be created on Newark Avenue. No new parking or affordable housing is included in the plan.
Amenities at the development include a 2,547 square foot common roof deck for residences and storage space in the basement of the property. The development’s exterior is set to utilize brown brick face with brass metal components along with beige stucco.
99¢ Dream is still open and going strong for now, and there has not been any announced timeline in terms of when demolition and construction could potentially begin at the property.
