The path has been cleared to revitalize a large vacant parcel in one of Essex County’s largest cities into a modern mixed-use complex that hopes to inject some life into the streetscape.
During their March 27 meeting, Irvington’s Planning Board unanimously approved an application to revamp 734-748 Springfield Avenue. The lots fall within Irvington’s East Ward/East Springfield Avenue Redevelopment Plan, which benefits from a state Transit Village designation and favorable tax treatment under the state Urban Enterprise Zone and federal Opportunity Zone programs.
The plan comes courtesy of a company named 21st Street Urban Renewal LLC and was drawn up by North Plainfield-based Taylor Architecture & Design. The six-story development is set to include 156 residential units, comprising 66 one-bedroom units, 85 two-bedroom units, and five three-bedroom units.
The development includes 10,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space plus basement vehicle parking totaling 142 spaces. Other amenities at the development will include a first-floor lounge, game room, community kitchen, fitness center, coworking space, and second-level amenity deck.
Taylor Architecture’s Italo Teixeria spearheaded the design of the building, which President Brian Taylor presented to the Planning Board. The company noted in a press release that they hope the refreshing design of the project will bring needed life to the neighborhood.
“Located on Springfield Avenue between 21st and 22nd streets, the building has two distinct corner elements defined with inset balconies,” the firm wrote. “Iron spot brick veneer and a two-color fiber cement panel façade undulate both vertically and horizontally for a clean, contemporary look using traditional materials.”
The firm additionally hopes that tall, continuous storefront glazing will highlight new commercial space and activate the streetscape along Springfield Avenue. Despite the approval, a potential timeline for construction of the project has not yet been announced.
The news is nonetheless big news for Irvington, which has seen significantly less new development in recent years especially when compared to their neighbors in Newark and East Orange.
