Sephora’s upcoming entry into the Mile Square City isn’t the only big news on the beauty front. Jersey Digs has learned that high-end retailer and spa Bluemercury is set to open a supersized storefront at a building currently under renovation.
Four-story 313-315 Washington Street, between Third and Fourth streets, features two small retail spaces, one of which was occupied by Crepe Guru until they relocated in September. That move was due in part to the city’s zoning board approving an overhaul of the property in June. The current storefronts will be combined below ground and expanded to the rear of the property, which will create a single 2,200-square-foot retail space for the spa.
The company, founded in 1999 out of Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood by Marla and Barry Beck, is renowned for selling the “world’s most innovative beauty products in a truly unique shopping experience.”
Bluemercury’s arrival in Hoboken is the latest sign of the company’s strength. The chain has grown to over 145 stores nationwide, including their flagship New York City location at the Midtown Hilton, which opened earlier this year. Hoboken’s Historical Commission signed off on some changes that will be made to their latest storefront’s entryway. Much of the façade will be kept, but renovated using Roman brick, composite panels, metal, glass, and steel ironwork.
Designed by Nastasi Architects, the project will also see updates for all six current rental apartments at the property. A three-story accessory building is also planned on the Court Street side of the lot, and that portion will house one duplex apartment and a single space parking garage. Additionally, a stormwater retention system will be built underneath the new building.
Both the new and historic sections of the project will get green roofs, while the principal building will sport a roof deck. New windows have already been installed at the development, which was granted several variances related to lot coverage, setbacks, density, and parking.
Neither Bluemercury nor the owner of 313-315 Washington have responded to inquiries on timelines for construction, but it’s probably safe to look forward to a 2018 opening for the spa.
