This post is sponsored by: JCity Realty – a full service real estate firm with a focus on community and urban development. With a combined real estate background of over 30 years JCity Realty knows every aspect of the Jersey City real estate market.
Standing as a bastion to Jersey City’s industrial heyday, The Bank Building at 83 Montgomery Street delivers a telling peek into Jersey City’s past. Built between 1888-1897, the historic former home of the New Jersey Title Guarantee and Trust Company (NJTGTC) stands as a symbol of the opulence of the Gilded Age.
NJTGTC started out in 1868 as the Hudson Storage and Indemnity Company before making the transition to banking about 20 years later. This progression coincided with a nationwide surge in commercial banking driven by demand from the roaring industrial age. Due to its proximity to New York and being the central conduit for transportation westward, Jersey City prospered enormously. Over this 50 year span, Jersey City’s population increased 30 fold, from roughly 6,000 in 1850 to over 200,000 in 1900.
What started out as a small operation in a one-room office at 45 Montgomery Street soon outgrew its space. In 1888, NJTGTC commissioned prominent Jersey City architect Herman Kreitler to oversee the construction of their new headquarters just up the street at 83 Montgomery. Almost as quickly as it was constructed, NJTGTC outgrew the new digs. They then acquired the neighboring property and brought Kreitler back to start on the second iteration. This new adjoining building was merged with the first to create the NJTGTC building we see today.
Kreitler was a well known Jersey City architect whose work also includes Dixon Crucible and Fischer Building on Newark Avenue. In a 1974 report, the Jersey City Historic District Commission called the building “an excellent example of Romanesque architecture in the manner of H.R. Richardson”. Noting its arches, Tuscan columns, and pitched roof as key components of the Medieval-inspired style.
Before Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, banks had to instill a sense of faith in their depositors that their money would be safe. To do this they often built some of the most grandiose buildings in town. This building is a prime example with its marble lobby, bronze fixtures, intricate wood moldings and iron railings.
Unfortunately, the banking industry suffered hugely during the Great Depression. NJTGTC was fell victim to these economic realities and closed its doors in 1939 leaving its building to languish. In the 1970’s, a developer bought the building, converting it to condos as one of the first adaptive reuse projects in Jersey City.
Many of the buildings historical characteristics were salvaged. In the lobby, original details include the restored bird-cage elevator, marble floors and grand staircase with an iron banister.
With few resales since the conversion, now is your chance to live in this historic building. New to the market this week is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence that pairs historical charm with modern convenience and lots of space – over 2,100 square feet of indoor living space plus an additional 800 square foot roof deck that provides a surprisingly private urban escape.
From 14’ ceilings and nearly full height windows to original moldings, the home doesn’t hide its history. However, recent updates ensure you’re not giving up convenience for charm. A designer chef’s kitchen, luxurious baths and central air conditioning provide modern day comforts. The custom kitchen comes complete with a pot filler, garbage disposal, and double ovens. There are also heated tile floors in both the kitchen and bathrooms.
Besides the three bedrooms, there’s also a large lofted area that can be used for an office or playroom. Because of its historical nature, the home features many closets that provide abundant storage – many of which have custom organizers installed. The master boasts his and her walk-in closets.
One deeded parking spot is included directly next to the building which also allows visitor parking on a first come basis.
The building’s enormous basement provides extra storage and also houses the original time-lock vaults. The vault is a story in itself: NJTGTC was criticized for adding vaults to their new headquarters “because Jersey City people didn’t have anything [of value] to put in them.” Well as it turned out, demand for the vault was so high they had to add another a few years later.
If you have an appreciation for historic properties but don’t want to give up modern conveniences then this is the home for you. Plus, condo ownership means low maintenance living.
This spectacular home is marketed by Natalie Miniard of JCity Realty. The ask is $1.499 million.
Fill out the form below for more information.
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[gmap height=”250px”]83 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302[/gmap]
83 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
