Renderings Revealed as Jersey City Approves 29-Story Casa 54 Development. A long-vacant lot in Journal Square is finally getting a new chapter as Jersey City’s Planning Board has unanimously approved the 29-story Casa 54 development, a striking residential tower that will rise at 54 Jones Street on the corner of Sip Avenue. The decision, made during the board’s September 23 meeting, paves the way for the neighborhood’s latest high-rise in an area that has become one of the most active development corridors in the region.
The property, located just minutes from the Journal Square PATH station, has sat empty despite the flurry of construction that has reshaped the district in recent years. Previous plans dating back to 2021 envisioned a smaller 10-story structure on the site, but those never moved forward. Now, Yellowstone Development LLC, a Carlstadt-based company, is leading the charge on the more ambitious Casa 54 project, with Emara Ghobrial Architects handling the design.
According to city filings, the tower will stand just over 311 feet tall and deliver 190 residential units. The mix is geared toward modern urban living, with 64 studios, 108 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedrooms, five three-bedrooms, and a penthouse residence topping off the project. As part of Jersey City’s inclusionary housing requirements, 21 of the units will be designated as affordable housing, ensuring that the development contributes to the city’s broader housing goals.
Unlike many towers, Casa 54 will not include parking for vehicles, reflecting the transit-oriented nature of Journal Square. Instead, the design incorporates space for 97 bicycles, encouraging residents to use alternative transportation and take advantage of the neighborhood’s connectivity. On the ground floor, nearly 800 square feet of retail space will be created at the corner of the property, adding another storefront to a block already bustling with businesses and contributing to the area’s walkable streetscape.
The design of Casa 54 is notable for its massing, which strategically recesses the 10th and 11th floors. This architectural move creates a cornice line that aligns with neighboring structures, helping the building integrate visually with the existing streetscape. The step-back design also allows the development to dedicate both floors entirely to resident amenities. The ninth floor will include a co-working lounge, library, and media lounge, while the 10th floor will feature a fitness center, yoga and meditation space, and a spa facility.
At the top, residents will enjoy nearly 1,000 square feet of rooftop lounge space with sweeping views that stretch to Manhattan. Other perks include an outdoor pool deck, enhancing the luxury feel of the property while giving future residents lifestyle-focused amenities that are increasingly sought after in urban housing.
Casa 54 is part of the Journal Square 2060 Redevelopment Plan – Zone 3, which has guided much of the transformation seen in the neighborhood. To move forward, the project was granted several variances by the Planning Board, including adjustments for lot depth and width, building setbacks, facade transparency, ceiling heights, and storefront materials. Officials noted that while numerous, the variances were relatively minor and in line with approvals given to other large-scale projects in the district.
The development represents yet another step in Jersey City’s rapid evolution into a hub of residential and mixed-use towers. Journal Square, once overlooked in favor of Downtown, has become a hotbed for investment as its location, transit accessibility, and cultural energy draw both developers and residents. Casa 54 adds to the growing roster of projects reshaping the area’s skyline, underscoring the momentum behind one of the most ambitious urban revitalizations in New Jersey.
While no official groundbreaking date has been announced, the approval signals that change is coming to the corner of Jones Street and Sip Avenue. For those tracking real estate and development across the Garden State, projects like Casa 54 highlight how Jersey City continues to set the pace for growth and urban renewal. More updates on this and other projects can be found in Explore New Jersey’s real estate coverage.
