via Michaelangelo Conte/ NJ.com
A groundbreaking was held yesterday for a 69-story, 763-rental unit tower on Jersey City’s waterfront which has been described by a developer as “a neighborhood in a building.”
“It will be a vertical neighborhood,’’ said David Barry, president of Ironstate Development, which is undertaking the project with Mack-Cali Realty.
URL (Urban Ready Living) Harborside apartment building will be part of Mack-Cali’s Harborside Plaza and is the first of three planned high-rise apartments.
In the Atrium at Harborside 3, Mack-Cali President and CEO Mitchell E. Hersh spoke of the $291 million tower, saying, “We believe there is strong demand for a live-work-play environment that offers a true sense of community, all in an amenity-rich, transit-oriented location.’’
Barry noted the great draw of living on the Jersey City waterfront but noted not everyone can afford it. The tower will feature smaller, partially furnished apartments which “use space more efficiently.” But it will have common areas and amenities aimed at fostering a community feel and equating to more living space.
It will include a roof garden, common areas with free WiFi, a cafe in the lobby, a filtered water dispenser in the lobby to cut down on tenant bottled water costs, and other shared amenities.
The facility will “make it easy for a young urban resident to move in without a hassle,’’ Barry said. “I think these buildings (the project will eventually be comprised of three towers) capture the essence of Jersey City’s vibrant economy.’’
The cost of the rentals has not yet been determined, a spokesman said. The tower will be built adjacent to Harborside 5, which is on Hudson Street off Christopher Columbus Drive near Exchange Place. It is to be completed in 2016.
The developers received $33 million in tax credits from the state Economic Development Authority in October for the first tower.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop spoke at yesterday’s event that was attended by more than 100 people and credited the administration of former Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy for handling the preliminary phases of the project. Fulop said the project speaks to the vibrancy of the city and thriving development seen in it.
“Not only will this be the tallest residential building in the state, the project also incorporates sustainability elements and develops a community-style concept through public spaces,’’ said Fulop. “We are pleased to be breaking ground on this exciting project today.’’
Star-Ledger staff writer Tom De Poto contributed to this report
CAHN PR 