A quirky property along a stretch of Jersey City that links Downtown to Journal Square is slated to be revamped into a modern mixed-use complex that includes a retail space with an outdoor area.
During their September 23 meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board approved an application for 475 Newark Avenue. The triangle-shaped lot spans just over 0.1 acre and has been home to a small auto repair shop for many years.
The land is currently owned by F & S Texaco Incorporated, and the new development was applied for by a Union City-based entity associated with Kocher Construction. Designed by Hoboken-based MVMK Architecture + Design, the plan calls for the demolition of the entire property in favor of a six-story building that rises just over 60 feet.
The design of the building itself is somewhat similar to several other Newark Avenue developments that have been built in the city’s Downtown during recent years such as the Cornerstone Lofts. This version will include 20 new residences breaking down as four studios, five one-bedrooms, five two-bedrooms, and five three-bedroom spaces.
10 parking spaces for cars and 20 for bikes will be featured on the ground floor of the property, as will a 678 square foot retail space to be entered on the triangle corner of the development. The storefront includes an additional 135 square feet of outdoor space outside the interior.
The residences along the triangle section of the development will feature balcony decks, while the building’s roof will sport a 1,250 square foot common deck plus an indoor amenity area spanning 457 square feet.
The development’s exterior is slated to utilize bronze metallic ACM panels, brick, and cement board components. Several new street trees will be planted along Newark and Pavonia Avenues as part of the work.
The planning board granted the development variances for height, minimum rear yard setback, floor to ceiling height, rooftop setback, maximum rooftop appurtenance coverage, and minimum parking aisle width when approving the project.
The development’s variances do not result in the creation of at least 5,000 square feet of residential space or five new residential units, meaning Jersey City’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance does not apply and no affordable housing component will be included.
A groundbreaking date has not been announced for the project, which falls along a stretch of Newark Avenue that is getting more attention. Another development was approved just steps away at 511 Newark Avenue about two years ago.
