A narrow lot in Journal Square that has been home to a vacant building for many years is slated to be revitalized into a new rental complex that will add even more residents to a growing Jersey City neighborhood.
During their May 21 meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board voted 5-1-1 to approve an application for 829 Bergen Avenue. The property is owned by a subsidiary of GN Management, who have developed a plethora of projects in Jersey City including the currently under construction Singh Tower.
The parcel is a narrow lot spanning about 6,800 square feet next to the St. George and St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church. The two-story brick building at the land dates to 1940 and was once home to the Samuel Raymond Glass Co. despite remaining empty in recent times.
Drawn up by Hoboken-based MVMK Architecture + Design, the approved plan calls for the complete demolition of the current structures to be replaced with an 11-story building that will rise 122 feet at the tallest point. The structure will be decidedly modern compared to its surroundings, sporting a tiered design that allows outdoor balcony spaces on select apartments.
A total of 77 units will be built within the complex, breaking down as 30 studios, 27 one-bedrooms, 19 two-bedroom units, and a single three-bedroom space. Four of the apartments, or 5% of the total, will be set aside as affordable housing.
Off-street parking was added to the plan as a compromise following feedback from the community, replacing what was retail space in the original proposal. The cellar garage will be able to house 20 vehicles in a stacker system.
A resident lounge is included on the first floor of the development, while the top of the structure will feature a 1,500 square foot common roof deck plus a 550 square foot indoor roof amenity. A sprawling 1,700 square foot green roof make up the remainder of the building’s apex.
The exterior of the project will utilize a combination of ACM panels, cement board, and hardie “cobblestone.” The development was granted variances by the planning board related to the property’s minimum lot size, minimum lot width, and minimum front yard setback.
A groundbreaking date for the project has not been announced. GN Management has been busy planning their next moves as of late, nabbing approvals for a 10-story senior housing development in The Heights just last month.
