Harsimus Cove has several eye-catching historical properties scattered throughout the neighborhood, but one century-old building at 8 Erie Street has always stood out from the crowd. Now, the fully-occupied property that underwent an extensive renovation a few years ago has been listed for sale, although the price has not been disclosed.
The four-story building, on a corner lot, was first constructed in 1900 for use by the NY/NJ Telephone Company as their switching station. The Jersey City Police Department later operated out of the property for many years, although the building fell pretty significantly into disrepair during that time.
In 2011, the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency bestowed the 30,000-square foot building to award-winning local developer Alfonso Carrino, who then completely redesigned and gutted the entire property. Construction on the project was done by “Kitchen Cousins” stars Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, who transformed the building into 16 rental apartments and two ground floor restaurant spaces.
Opening in 2014, the building was renamed TelCo Lofts as a tribute to its’ former use. Residential and commercial units at the property feature above-average ceiling heights, some as high as 20 feet, plus oversized windows and original exposed brick throughout. The apartments in the building range in size from 789-square feet to 1,610-square feet, and almost 13,500-square feet of restaurant space is featured, split up between two eateries.
“Top Chef” alum Dale Talde teamed up with David Massoni & John Bush to open ‘Talde’ at the building’s corner storefront, bringing Pan-Asian flare across the Hudson River. A speakeasy run by Talde’s group called Miss Wong’s operates in the property’s basement. Another eatery, DoShe Korean BBQ & Bar, opened at TelCo Lofts this July.
The property, just steps from Newark Avenue’s restaurants and Grove Street’s PATH station, is being sold through Hoboken-based GRID Real Estate. A booklet on the property notes the area skews young, as 33% of the population in Telco Loft’s zip code is in the 25- to 34-year-old age bracket. Furthermore, approximately 50% of the zip code’s population has incomes over $100,000 annually, with a median income of $107,500.
“8 Erie Street is one of the most unique properties in Jersey City. The building’s storied history, as well as its premier location and excellent restoration, combine to create a very desirable asset. As such, we expect it will trade at a premium,” says Bob Antonicello of GRID Real Estate, the brokerage marketing the property.
Investors interested in more information about TelCo Lofts can take a look at the listing, which is being managed by Bob Antonicello.
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