From October 2022
Two new Journal Square skyscrapers approved in Jersey City
The 1,189-unit mega project will be built over the course of a decade
By Mark Koosau, Staff Writer, Hudson Reporter - October 22, 2022
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In perhaps a decade from now, those who live or walk in the Journal Square neighborhood will be looking up more after two new skyscrapers were approved by the Jersey City Planning Board on Oct. 11.
The approved 1,189-unit mega project will bring two towers, one that is 49-stories tall with 595 residential units, and another that is 55-stories tall with 594 units, on a 2.21 acre site across from the Journal Square PATH Station and near the Loew’s Theatre.
The project will be developed by Kushner Real Estate Group, who also developed the Journal Squared project, and Silverstein Properties, who developed the World Trade Center site in Manhattan, over a decade in two phases, first with the 49-story tower, and then second with the 55-story tower.
The applicant’s attorney, James McCann, explained during the board’s Sept. 6 meeting that the project will include public benefit improvements such as open space and walkways.
“Our project that we are presenting to you tonight will provide and focus on some really incredible open space, landscaping, artwork and art walk that will link the developing arts community in Journal Square,” said McCann.
Going over the project, Leonard Savino of Langin explained that the project will be on five lots totaling 2.21 acres that they will subdivide into two lots. He said a four-level parking garage and separate parking lot on the south part of the site will be demolished to accommodate the development.
He said phase one of the project will start on the south side with the 49-story tower, which will have 235 parking spaces below grade and an overall footprint of 50,049 square feet. The phase will also include a second building that will have a gallery, cafe and rooftop pool, as well as a parking garage entry.
The first phase will also include a vehicular turnaround area to the north of the tower and a pedestrian plaza.
Phase two of the project on the northern end will have the 55-story building that will include 131 parking spaces and a footprint of 10,486 square feet. All the way to the north of the site will be a dog park and other open space.
Gary Handel from Handel Architecture then explained the project will be completing a connection between Journal Squared and Mana Contemporary via an art walk that will begin at JFK Boulevard and go through the project site.
The new project will also include an art walk throughout the whole site. Screenshot via City of Jersey City on YouTube.
He also explained that all of the parking will be below grade in three levels, which will also have bike storage rooms and bike racks.
For the amount of residential units, 34 percent will be studios, 51 percent will be one-bedrooms, 13 percent will be two-bedrooms and three percent will be three-bedrooms. Each tower will also have an upper sky lounge on the top.
During public comment in the Sept. 6 meeting, resident Saro Cutri said that while he thought the application was a “pretty good project”, he voiced concerns over how the property line of it goes right through his property at 810 Pavonia Ave., which he said had gotten Planning Board approval about a year-and-a-half ago to do a four-story building there.
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