One of the main thoroughfares along Jersey City’s West Side could look a bit different over the coming years as a slew of properties have been combined to make way for a larger development.
During their June 11 meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board approved an application to revamp 791-805 West Side Avenue. The stretch currently hosts several small buildings that are home to businesses like West Side Grocery & Halal Meat, Kidz Academy, a barber shop, and a hair salon.
The properties are owned by Blackman Family Limited Partnership, SMS Investments II, and 801 West Side LLC. A Brooklyn-based entity called West Side Ave Holdings LLC is the applicant hoping to develop the lots, which include some surface parking lots and lack cohesiveness.
“The overall goal of the development is to transform an outdated group of buildings and surface parking into a cohesive streetscape with a variety of residential and commercial units,” the application wrote.
Designed by Weckenmann Architecture, the approved plan for the properties will rise five stories and just under 55 feet. The new building will have an L-shape that allows for both an outdoor terrace for future residents plus a roof deck.
Speaking of residences, 84 units are included in the plan. The living spaces break down as 28 studios, 41 one-bedrooms, and 15 two-bedroom apartments with no affordable housing component.
28 parking spaces in a basement garage will be included at the development, as will a resident gym and ground floor lounge. 50 bicycle spaces for residents will call the building home, and the aforementioned roof will also boast a green roof in addition to the deck facility.
The new development will continue the tradition of storefronts, replacing what is there currently with 5,158 square feet of retail split between two spaces. Face brick and composite metal components are slated to be utilized on the exterior of the building, where select units will sport balconies.
The West Side Avenue project was granted two variances by the Planning Board related to minimum rear yard setback and for a curb cut that isn’t allowed under current zoning. A groundbreaking date for the development has not been announced.
