A long-awaited redevelopment project in one of Jersey City’s bustling neighborhoods is officially moving forward as plans to revamp the former Barcade location at 165 Newark Avenue take shape. After years of planning and several extensions from the city’s planning board, the site now has fencing around the perimeter and new permits posted, signaling that construction is officially underway. The property, which was home to Barcade for 14 years before its closure in June, is poised to transform into a mixed-use development that reflects the city’s growing demand for both residential and commercial space.
The redevelopment of 165 Newark Avenue has been in the works since 2019 and has faced delays and extensions over the years. Molfetta, listed on the permit as the company performing the work, will oversee construction along the property’s stretch from Barrow Street down to Christopher Columbus Drive. Designed by LWDMR Architects, the plan envisions two phases: a six-story building with a penthouse and a ground-floor commercial mezzanine as the first phase, and a five-story building as the second. Together, the project will deliver 51 residential units and nearly 12,000 square feet of commercial space, providing a modern addition to the neighborhood while retaining some elements of the original structure.
While much of the existing building will be demolished to accommodate the new construction, the developers are preserving portions of the original facade along Newark Avenue and the northern section of Barrow Street. These sections will undergo rehabilitation, maintaining a sense of continuity with the area’s architectural history while introducing contemporary design elements. Initially, there were hopes of keeping Barcade operational during construction, but a 2023 extension request confirmed that the site would need to be completely vacant to allow work to proceed safely and efficiently. An official timeline for completion has not yet been announced.
This redevelopment comes at a time when the Newark Avenue and Barrow Street corridor has become a hotspot for construction and revitalization. Nearby projects, including mid-rise developments at 155 Newark Street and 157 Newark Avenue, are reshaping the streetscape, while the Barrow Residences across Columbus Drive is preserving and expanding a historic property. The concentration of ongoing development highlights Jersey City’s continued growth as a hub for urban living and commercial activity.
For those following Jersey City’s evolving real estate landscape and developments like the Barcade project, more details and updates on projects across the state can be found at Explore New Jersey Real Estate.
