Just a short time ago, the 2.73-acre property at 400 Claremont Avenue in Jersey City’s Ward B was an active industrial site, with companies such as Elementis Specialties, Daniel Products, and Synres Chemical Corporation operating on the premises over the years. However, at the end of 2017, the lot, which is located a few yards away from the West Side Avenue Light Rail station, was put on the market. Then, last month, it was revealed that an anonymous LLC named 400 Claremont Urban Renewal bought the property for $17 million and was intending to construct a mixed-use development.
Now, more information has been revealed about what exactly could come to the site. A statement from the LLC’s spokesperson shows that Art Johnson and the team responsible for the 25 Senate Place project near Journal Square are also behind this proposal, which calls for a six-story complex with 598 apartments. There would be studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, all of which would be rentals. In addition, 15,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space would be included on the ground floor of the building while 200 parking spaces would be provided elsewhere on the premises.
The Marchetto Higgins Stieve-designed building would also include 25,000 square feet of what are described as “indoor and outdoor lifestyle amenities,” including a coffee bar, a fitness center, a lobby with a piano, a golf simulator, a concierge, a lounge, and a bowling alley for residents. A rooftop would include a community garden, according to the statement, and a private shuttle service for residents would connect the building with PATH service.
An application to demolish the existing complex was submitted on September 12, but city records show that the plan review failed. A sewer-related permit application was submitted to City Hall just over a week later while an electrical-related application was filed earlier this week.
The statement from the developer claims that construction is expected to begin “within the next few months.” It does not describe specifically how the units would be priced nor does it mention if any units will be designated as “affordable.” However, Johnson said in part that they would be offered at “a price point that’s attractive for Jersey City.”
The company’s plans have yet to go before the Jersey City Planning Board or the Jersey City Zoning Board of Adjustment. If given the necessary approvals, the development would be among the largest in the city outside of Wards C and E.
