Downtown Jersey City’s bustling Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, already a vibrant hub of activity, is about to get even more dynamic. A flurry of construction is now underway on two significant developments that will not only introduce a substantial amount of new retail space but also bring 68 brand-new residences to this highly sought-after urban corridor. This new wave of construction signals a continued evolution for this lively part of the city, promising even more opportunities for living, shopping, and experiencing the unique charm of Jersey City.
One of the key projects taking shape is at 155 Newark Avenue, where work has begun to transform the site of the former Sleep Cheap building. For those who remember, this property once held plans to become a cannabis dispensary back in Jersey City’s “marijuana rush” of 2022, a proposal that ultimately didn’t come to fruition. However, a new vision has emerged, approved by Jersey City’s Planning Board last July. The talented team at Weckenmann Architecture recently announced that underground work is now in full swing at the site.
This six-story mixed-use development at 155 Newark Avenue is set to offer a thoughtfully designed approach to city living. Its ground floor will feature a generous 3,312 square feet of retail space, boasting convenient entrances on both Newark Avenue and the busy Christopher Columbus Drive. While car parking isn’t part of the design, a smart solution for urban mobility is included: dedicated space for 16 bicycles in the basement. The upper levels will house a diverse mix of residential units, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, ranging from cozy 475 square feet to spacious 902 square feet. Residents will also enjoy fantastic outdoor amenities, with the penthouse level featuring a common roof deck spanning 767 square feet, offering prime views of Newark Avenue, plus an additional private deck overlooking Christopher Columbus Drive.
As co-owner Lauren Cimiluca shared, the goal is to provide “an array of different units at different price points, meeting the needs of our growing community.” This adaptive approach to urban development, prioritizing walkability and diverse housing options, is a hallmark of Jersey City’s evolving real estate landscape. To learn more about the broader trends and opportunities shaping the area, explore our New Jersey Real Estate section.
Right next door, an even more ambitious undertaking has commenced at the former Fabco Shoes building, 157 Newark Avenue. This expansive project involves the development of an L-shaped structure that incorporates several previously vacant lots along Barrow Street. Designed by Inglese Architecture and Engineering, this seven-story development is set to introduce 41 new residences, primarily consisting of studios and one-bedroom units, catering to the demand for smaller, efficient living spaces in the downtown area.
The architectural design of 157 Newark Avenue includes elegant stepbacks from Newark Avenue on the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors, creating visual interest and potentially allowing for more light and air. Several of the upper-floor penthouse units will feature their own private outdoor spaces, offering exclusive retreats amidst the urban bustle. On the street level, a sizable 4,377 square feet of ground-floor storefront space will have entrances on both Newark Avenue and Barrow Street, further enhancing the pedestrian experience and bringing new commercial vitality to the block.
The commencement of these two significant projects is poised to “complete” this particular block of the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza. For several years, the storefronts at these addresses have remained conspicuously vacant, leaving a gap in the vibrant streetscape. With construction now in full swing, the anticipation builds for the day these new buildings breathe fresh life into the area, offering more housing choices, diverse retail opportunities, and a more cohesive urban environment for residents and visitors alike. While estimated timelines for completion for either project have not yet been released, their rise marks an exciting new chapter for downtown Jersey City.