A building that has stood for over a century near the Holland Tunnel is hoping to be home to new residences and a hotel as a developer is looking to restore and significantly expand a former Salvation Army facility.
An L-shaped property 248 Erie Street and 209-215 Fifteenth Street was sold following the Salvation Army at the site closing up shop. The original portions of the somewhat modest looking property are steeped in surprising history, dating back to 1911 per a report submitted to Jersey City.
Titanium Realty Group, the current owners of the land, have applied to revamp the property in a big way. The company is known in Jersey City for high-rises like 413 Summit Avenue or a 50-unit development at 179 Academy Street that is currently under construction.
Designed by Minno Wasko, the entirety of Titanium’s most recent endeavor would consist of a 16-story project topping out at 175 feet in height. The work would preserve the primary street facades of the existing building at 248 Erie Street and restore the brick to its original color instead of the current painted white.
An addition that was built years later would be demolished under the plan to make way for a garage entrance for 50 cars. The remainder of the project involves the construction of a mixed-use tower with 264 dwelling units (of which 40 units are restricted as affordable housing) plus a hotel with 150 rooms.
An exact operator of the potential hotel is not outlined in documents submitted to the city, but the restoration of a cornice at the current building would allow for some full floor-to-ceiling glass windows on what would be a fourth-floor lounge for guests.
The development would boast separate entrances for the hotel and residential portions on 14th and 15th Streets. The residential uses will be located on the northern portion of the subject property, and hotel uses on the southern portion.
A 970-square-foot cafe space is included on the ground floor of the plans on the corner of Erie and 15th Streets. 208 bicycle parking spots are also featured in the design.
The residences would break down into 80 studio units, 121 one-bedroom units, 53 two-bedroom units (including 24 affordable ones), and 10 three-bedroom units. Amenities for residences include an enclosed rooftop space plus a 2,700-square-foot outdoor terrace with an elevated pool deck.
The new portions of the building are set to utilize brick veneer and masonry components, with a two-toned look contrasting with the historic section of the proposed complex. The property is split-zoned within the Neighborhood District and Commercial Strip District of the Jersey Avenue Light Rail Redevelopment Plan.
As a result, the developer is asking for six variances from existing zoning. Deviations for both maximum number of stories and height in feet are required, as is one for the hotel use. Exceptions related to minimum rear yard setback, required interior loading space, maximum number of signs, and maximum coverage of tower would also be needed.
The application is listed to be heard by Jersey City’s Planning Board during their September 24 meeting, which is being held at 5:30 pm in the Boardroom at the Holloway Building inside the City Hall Annex at 4 Jackson Square.
