The city’s 22nd Street corridor continues to be developed, and will receive a shot in the arm when nearly 190 units of residential space are completed in two phases at the former Bayonne Plumbing site on Avenue E, city officials and others said.
Demolition work on the north side of 22nd Street is nearly complete, with five of six structures knocked down by Jan. 10 to prepare for the construction of the approximately $40 million Skye Lofts project by Skye Development of Bayonne.
Approvals have been given for two six-story buildings; one for 100 units on the north side of 22nd Street and one for 90 units on the street’s south side, according to Business Administrator Joseph DeMarco
The north side demolition work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. The south side lot, near the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station, had been previously cleared.
Both buildings’ ground floors will be used for commercial purposes. The retail options include a coffee shop or dry cleaner.
There will also be ground-floor parking for both buildings; 50 spaces for the 100-unit building and 45 spaces for the 90-unit structure.
Work is expected to begin later this year on the south building, with the north building to follow the completion of the first structure.
The luxury rental developments will feature gymnasiums, conference rooms, and children’s playrooms. There will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, with 11-foot ceilings.
Views of New York City will be visible from the top floors.
Skye Development currently has a number of projects in various stages of planning throughout the city.
Skye Lofts was designed with the nearby light rail station in mind to attract people who work in Manhattan and downtown Jersey City. The lofts are only a 20-minute light rail ride from the Exchange Place stop in Jersey City.
The development is also positioned to bring out of towners in via the light rail to shop on Broadway just one block west of the development.
Revitalizing Bayonne
“We want to revitalize the Broadway district a bit,” a Skye Development official said.
The company hopes that its development will be successful and then spur other developers to follow suit to invest in the city.
“The more inventory, the more people will come to Bayonne,” the official said. “It’s a wonderful city. It’s a great place to live.”
Other projects
Skye Development is also working on another 38-unit residential development at 14th Street and Broadway. The groundbreaking on that project is expected in April.
Approvals have been given for two buildings, one for 100 units and one for 90 units, according to Business Administrator Joseph DeMarco.
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Avenue E already appears to be developing into a loft district, with last year’s opening of the SilkLofts project just four blocks south on 18th Street.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.