A large surface parking lot in Downtown Jersey City could soon be replaced with a new mixed-use development that includes significant space for artists.
Jersey City’s Planning Board will soon be considering the future of 107 Morgan Street. The site, which spans almost an entire city block at 1.73 acres, was acquired by New York-based LCOR last year.
The company purchased the lot for $54 million from Veris Residential and announced its intentions to build a multi-family project. Those plans have now emerged in the form of a 34-story tiered high-rise proposal designed by SLCE Architects and landscaped by Melillo Bauer Carman.
Submitted plans for 107 Morgan Street show a tower that tops out at 350 feet over a five-story base. The lower floors would sport a red brick exterior, while the higher ones would use a black brick façade for an industrial look in keeping with the neighborhood’s history.
A total of 633 dwelling units are included in the plan, breaking down as 80 studios, 412 one-bedrooms, 134 two-bedrooms, and seven three-bedroom residences. No affordable housing component is included in the proposal, as none is required under existing zoning.
The street level at the development would sport 19,635 square feet of ground-floor commercial/gallery space split between three storefronts plus some public amenities. According to plans, a mid-block open space of approximately 5,200 square feet described as an “arcade” would include seating areas, a plaza, and public art exhibits.
The arcade would feature arches that connect with the adjacent development to the east of the site. Other components of the development would include a total of 213 parking spaces in a garage within the building’s first five floors.
Amenities for residents at the development include a sixth-floor roof deck and indoor amenity space set to include an outdoor pool and amphitheater space. The development’s 34th floor would also sport a smaller roof deck and plus additional indoor amenity space.
LCOR will be utilizing a bonus height provision within the neighborhood’s Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan. Per a staff memo issued by Jersey City, the company was responsible for making improvements at the nearby 335 Washington Boulevard property in advance of the 107 Morgan Street application.
Jersey City’s Council recently adopted an ordinance approving acceptance of the building from LCOR, with the Washington Creative Center slated to open soon.
LCOR is seeking seven variances from current zoning under the plan, most of which are minor. They involve deviations related to minimum parking, maximum front yard setback, required stepbacks below the top three floors, rooftop mechanical coverage, bulkhead materials and visibility, minimum sidewalk width, and maximum permitted utility frontage.
The application for 107 Morgan Street is listed on the agenda for the Jersey City Planning Board’s upcoming December 10 meeting.
