It was party time in downtown Jersey City, as the developers of the newly-opened luxury rental building at 18 Park invited their friends and supporters for a shindig on the building’s landscaped roof deck.
Mayor Steven Fulop joined officials from Ironstate Development company and Kushner Real Estate (KE) Group on July 29 to officially open the 11-story, 422 unit, luxury residential development which overlooks Liberty State Park and its nearby marina.
Guests to the soiree also included management of the Boys and Girls Club, which will share a portion of the building.
Located in the Liberty Harbor North Neighborhood near Paulus Hook and near both PATH and the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, the new building features modern designs and amenities that many expect of luxury rentals. Fulop called it an example of “urban revitalization.”
“Jersey City is recognized for transit-oriented development, not only in New Jersey, not only in Hudson County, but on a national level as a model for urban revitalization,” Fulop said. “We are filling these buildings as quickly as we are putting them up.”
In fact, the reception actually took place about a month after the developers opened their doors to renters from both sides of the Hudson, and had already leased 200 of the units with 80 residents already moved in.
“This building is an example of everything good that is happening in Jersey City.” – Mayor Steven Fulop
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Under bright blue skies and stiff pleasant breeze, guests sipped champagne and nibbled at hors d’oeuvres before touring the model apartments.
“This building is an example of everything good that is happening in Jersey City,” Fulop said.
Amenity-rich living
The building is the second collaboration in downtown Jersey City between Ironstate Development and KRE.
The building’s C-shape was designed to maximize views to the adjacent marina and Hudson River waterfront, while creating an elevated outdoor deck with planted green garden roof for residents to share.
The amenities include a 24-hour doorman, furniture designed by Christopher Stevens, a contemporary lobby with a 25-foot wooden wall, a full service fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool, game room, children’s playroom, dining space, wi-fi lounge, screening area, dog run, bike room, private storage space and an enclosed parking garage.
Ironstate president David Barry called it “a significant addition to the growing Jersey City landscape.”
The building also features 10,800 square feet of ground-floor retail space, and an attached modern facility for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hudson County. This space includes modern classrooms with wi-fi connectivity, room for arts and music programs, and a gymnasium.
“This is a dream come true,” said Gary Greenberg, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club, noting that this has been in the works for about four years.
KRE and Ironstate have purchased the old Boys and Girls Club for another redevelopment project in the future.
From the deck, people get a clear view of Ellis Island, Liberty Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and Liberty State Park.
The project was delayed by a number of issues, in particular the downturn in the real estate market, but all those involved credited Fulop as councilman and as mayor with helping it become a reality.
On the building’s website, one-bedroom units with one-bathroom are listed at approximately $2,600 a month, while several two-bedroom, two-bathroom units begin at $3,300 per month.
“It’s important to me to continue to be creative and look for new expressions that integrate the community and neighborhood and that are also forward thinking,” said Barry. “This building is contemporary, but at the same time, it fits Jersey City very well.”
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.