The newest luxury residential building to open at Weehawken’s Port Imperial section was inaugurated with a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday.
Attendees at the ceremony opening RiversEdge included Mayor Richard Turner, Councilman Robert Sosa, businessman Arthur Imperatore, Councilman Robert Zucconi, Carl Goldberg, a partner at Roseland Property Company, and Jerry Zaro, chief of Gov. Jon Corzine’s Office of Economic Growth.
The nine-story building, which includes 236 rental units consisting of studios, one, and two bedrooms, first broke ground in June of 2007. Roseland Property Company planned the execution of the project and was fortunate that the slowing economy did not delay construction.
“This particular building was 100 percent drawn and coordinated by June of 2007, so with our lending in place, we just merely executed on the plans,” said Andrew Marshall, operating partner at Roseland Property Company.
Features of the building
Property managers hope it will attract tenants with a live planted “green” roof, a rooftop deck, all new stainless steel appliances, fitness room, conference room, wi-fi services throughout the common areas, Verizon FIOS ready residences, and views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.
“We also have an outdoor pool; 24 hour, seven-day-a-week concierge services; on-site management and maintenance, gas grill, fire pit, and courtyard,” said K.C. Lee, director of operations on location at RiversEdge. “I guess the best amenity is the building itself.”
The monthly rent ranges from $1,822 for a 511 square foot studio to $3,573 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment with den.
Lee said these prices are likely to attract those who live across the river in New York, and probably get much less space for the same price.
To make it even easier for future lessees, the approval process of renting a unit takes only a few minutes, said Lee, “So if you’re ready, I can let you know if you qualify within five minutes.”
Construction still continues
Although 10 percent of their residential inventory has been spoken for, construction continues. Lessees moving in next month will take the first few floors while the upper floors are given the final touches by workers.
Also, the adjacent green space will be a public park. It is estimated that construction, including the nearby park, will be completed by November.
Corzine almost attended
Gov. Corzine and Rep. Albio Sires were scheduled but unable to attend the ceremony due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts. According to Mayor Turner, “The reason why the governor would come and the reason why the congressman wanted to be here is because this [building] gives a boost to the economy.”
“We expect to pick up around $600,000-$650,000 additional tax dollars just from that building.” – Mayor Richard Turner
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What RiversEdge means to Weehawken
Although some have had mixed feelings about the development of the waterfront, Marshall indicated that the construction of the building brought jobs and economic movement to the area.
“[We’re] rejuvenating that land and creating homes, creating a tax ratable, and doing so in an effective urban way,” said Marshall, “I think Weehawken is benefiting from the development of its waterfront into a vibrant additional aspect of their community.”
“We expect to pick up around $600,000-$650,000 additional tax dollars just from that building,” Mayor Richard Turner pointed out. “In this economy, everything helps.”
He also said it will bring new businesses, such as a possible new restaurant in the location where Arthur’s Landing used to be.
“So we have a building that was designed to protect the view, designed to be environmentally sensitive, and also has an economic benefit,” said Turner. “Those are our three goals in everything we do.”
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com