A development that has remained in limbo for about eight years has been redesigned with a more modern look and suggests hope that the long-stalled project could finally begin construction soon.
During their January 28 meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board approved what technically are amendments to an existing plan at 285 Newark Avenue. Plans first emerged way back in 2017 for the lot, which was formerly home to a one-story building that housed Viaquenti Preschool.
The 2017 plan was eventually approved, and the lot was razed in preparation for development. But the property has sadly sat vacant ever since, a missing peg along a major retail corridor just blocks from the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza.
The owners of the lot, 285 Newark Ave LLC, are registered out of the same address as Jersey City-based BGT Enterprises. They have worked with a new designer in Hampton Hill Architecture on the latest plan, which calls for a mixed-use complex that rises five stories plus a mezzanine and tops out at just over 68 feet.
The revamped 285 Newark Avenue includes 21 residential units, one more than the previously approved plan. The residences are slated to break down as eight one-bedrooms, 12 two-bedrooms, and a single three-bedroom space.
2,411 square feet of retail space will be featured on the ground floor, a significant reduction from the over 5,000 square feet of retail included in the first plan. There is still no parking for vehicles included in the plan, but space for 12 bicycles is featured.
The biggest changes involve the design of the building itself, which removes rear balconies that were envisioned on the first version. Other changes include an increase in amenity space on the roof to include both a barbecue area and a rooftop lounge.
The project additionally got a complete façade redesign. Exterior components will now consist of a metal batten cladding system on the first floor plus mezzanine, while metal panels will be used on the higher floors.
The development has also been brightened up a bit and is set to feature halo-lit raised commercial and building signage.
Despite the changes being approved by the board, a potential groundbreaking date for the redesigned project has not been announced.
