A vacant warehouse and the surrounding overgrown lots along trackage for the PATH train could soon be transformed into a new residential complex that includes significant public space.
During their June 24 meeting, Jersey City’s Planning Board unanimously approved an application for 166 Van Wagenen Avenue. The lots are owned by a New York-based company called 158-166 Van Wagenen LLC, with a company called GND JSQ Holdings LLC applying for the development approvals.
The long and narrow property, located just west of Journal Square in the Marion neighborhood, totals 29,495 square feet and currently houses a one-story vacant commercial building. The structure was once home to a company called Morris Struhl Incorporated, a manufacturer of small electric appliances whose moniker can still be seen on the building.
Designed by Minno Wasko, 166 Van Wagenen Avenue sports a slender aesthetic and will rise 15 stories and top out at 175 feet. The development plans include a total of 321 residential units, breaking down as 76 studios, 164 one-bedrooms, 74 two-bedrooms, and seven three-bedroom spaces.
The project includes a 10% affordable housing component and will create 32 units for lower-income households. 166 Van Wagenen includes a slew of amenities for future residents, including an indoor rooftop space, an outdoor pool deck, and another rooftop sun deck.
The 123 parking spaces at the property will be located on two floors and entered via the existing dead end on Van Wagenen Avenue. The land the development will rise on naturally slopes as you head west and sports 20 feet of grade change, having the effect of hiding the parking garage from the street level on Tonnelle Avenue.
Speaking of Tonnelle Avenue, that side of the development will feature a grand three-story lobby supported by columns set to extend over a new public space. The 3,925 square foot plaza will be located just north of the existing Gloria Taqueria & Deli building and sport a feature wall, seating areas, and natural shade from the building’s design.
The development’s exterior will utilize brick veneer and composite panels for a decidedly modern look. The project additionally includes two underground flood detention systems in its design.
166 Van Wagenen is situated within the Fayette-Broadway Redevelopment Plan and did not require any variances from the board to gain approval. A groundbreaking date for the project has not been announced…