Development

A long-neglected building just a stone’s throw away from Journal Square’s building boom is finally getting some much-needed TLC, perhaps a small sign that some of the neighborhood’s older properties might soon see a piece of the area’s revitalization.

A vacant brownstone in Newark’s Military Park Commons Historic District is being expanded into a 15-unit residential development.

The combination of transit-oriented development and increasing demand for walkable downtowns has created a perfect storm. One developer, JMF Properties, is positioned right at the intersection of these twin trends. Their new communities combine commuter convenience with the ability for residents to live, work, and play in the same neighborhoods.

Once a hub of industry in Central Essex County, the City of Orange is beginning to see more redevelopment. Earlier this year, two new projects opened up and now the former F. Berg & Company Hat Factory is being converted into lofts-style condos.

A sweeping transformation is occurring where Hoboken and Jersey City collide, and now a previously approved project in the area will have more units than originally planned and create some much-need green space in a quickly evolving district.

An upcoming hotel in Jersey City is slated to include a rooftop restaurant and lounge featuring views of the Manhattan skyline through a cutting-edge retractable roof design.

Several new complexes are either under construction or are proposed in Maplewood, the largest of which could soon be completed. The new developments will bring 100s of new residential units as well as commercial offerings including Essex County's first Wawa.

A new mixed-use building has been proposed for 342 Johnston Avenue, at the northern corner of Whiton Street, in the Lafayette Park Redevelopment Plan Area. Developer RUC Holdings, LLC is seeking preliminary and final major site plan approval for the project.

The Hoboken Chamber of Commerce recently presented Fields Construction with their “Developer/Builder of the Year” award to recognize the company for its achievements in the community.

Journal Square’s big moment of truth is rapidly approaching and the neighborhood is preparing for the pending residential boom in several ways, which include some spruced-up streets, a transit hub renovation, and emerging community organization.