I just asked the same thing on JCList and someone replied they were told that an agreement would be signed in the next couple of days (I assume b/t the developer & builder). This person also pointed out they had been previously told the same thing, so caution was suggested.
I also recall a JJ article back in December which quoted the developer as saying that a target of end of first quarter 2007 for move-in had been set (after many delays). However, given the current status, I'm not sure they will be able to meet that timeline. I guess we'll see .....
The reservoir is holding back the water inside is a massive lake and they have been allowing people to fish and hike. There are hug fish there and no one knows how they got there. Also the New York Kayaking club have also been doing kayaking for several years. The renovation is calling for one of the pump houses to be turned into a boat house. This is 13 acres of wetlands and lakes in the middle of Jersey City. This will be incredible.
I agree. It looks like it will be quite amazing, especially if they put in walkways and park accessories like benches.
111 First St. owner gives money to Jersey City Museum
The owner of 111 First St., the longtime artists enclave that will be the site of a new luxury apartment complex, is delivering the first installment today of the $1 million it promised to promote the arts in Jersey City.
BLDG Management Co., Inc , the agent for New Gold Equities, was scheduled to present a $330,000 check to the Jersey City Museum this afternoon; the Loew's Jersey Theater will also be receiving money.
The contributions are part of a settlement in which the city and New Gold Equities dropped legal challenges against one another over the proposed redevelopment of 111 First St., which is in the Powerhouse Arts District.
This generous gift helps ensure that Jersey City Museum continues its vital mission of bringing quality arts, culture and educational programming to all who live in and visit our wonderfully diverse city. the museum's executive director, Marion Grzesiak, said in a written statement before the ceremony.
Whitlock Mills/Whitlock Courtage
Some one said it is to be the new "Dixon Mills". There is suppose to be a certain amount of Fair Market Housing, but also moderated and section 8 housing in it as well, and there is suppose to be senior housing there also.PHP Code:Does anyone know what is going on with Whitlock Mills (www.whitlockmills.com) ? I pass by their site frequently and it seems to be on a complete halt for months. I hope they finish this beautiful industrial restoration.
PAD Rising...Toll Bros to propose NOT one, but THREE towers
It appears that part of the deal between Toll Bros and Fields Development calls for proposing a revised design for 126-142 Morgan Street ("The Hudson") for a 36-story building instead of a 17-story building (see bold text below)...I'd really like to know when this project will go before the planning board and when they plan on breaking ground...
Also note that the tallest of the three towers will be taller than original plans called for (43 stories instead of 40).
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Kvetching about condos
Opposition mounts against high-rise residential project at Manischewitz factory
Ricardo Kaulessar
Reporter staff writer
SITE OF CONCERN The Manischewitz plant, located on Bay Street in Downtown Jersey City will officially close its operations in April. Development company Toll Brothers has plans to build a high-rise luxury tower on the site. Residents say they want more information.
Is it possible to for residents to fight a nationally known developer in order to make a condo building smaller?
Residents of the Powerhouse Arts District (PAD) in Downtown Jersey City are attempting to do so.
They are trying to stop nationally known building company Toll Brothers from constructing a two-tower apartment complex on the site of the soon-to-be former Manischewitz plant on Bay Street. That factory is slated to close in April.
The proposed condo project is being built as a joint effort with Hoboken-based developer Fields Development.
Talk to us, Toll Brothers!
The residents claim that Toll Brothers has put too much pressure on city planners and other city officials to allow them to build higher than what is normally allowed in the PAD.
But first, residents want to know what exactly the developers have in mind.
"All we want is to be included in the conversation," said Richard Tomko, a PAD resident and president of the Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association [PADNA].
The Powerhouse Arts District is a neighborhood that includes a historic former transit powerhouse that the city would like to see converted to a shopping area like the one at Baltimore's inner harbor. The Powerhouse Arts District redevelopment plan governs development projects in the area.
They want to know
The concerned residents say they are also worried that the Toll Brothers project, along with another developer's towers that are being planned for 110 and 111 First St., will ruin the character of the neighborhood.
Tomko, along with the 100-plus members of the PADNA, have been concerned based on what they have been able to find out from various city officials and other sources.
The project consists of the two towers to be built on the Manischewitz site and adjoining property. The project would also entail taking over Provost Street, a three-block marbled cobblestone road, to create a town square plaza since Toll Brothers also owns a parking lot where they plan to build another tower.
The towers and a proposed third, are supposed to be at heights, respectively, of 43, 38, and 36 stories.
The problem, said Tomko, is all residents' speculation, which could be clarified if they knew the developers' intentions.
Toll Brothers' response
A representative for the Philadelphia-based Toll Brothers said last week that they "don't comment on properties going through planning and zoning."
Jim Caufield and his brother Robert run Fields Development, a third-generation Hoboken development company that has several projects ongoing in the PAD.
When Caufield was interviewed in November, he said plans for that project could not be discussed by him.
"There have been at least two meetings scheduled with the developers but both were cancelled at the last minute," said Tomko.
Tomko does not blame Fields Construction, whom he said has been willing in the past to present their projects to PADNA.
"Every new project that came through [the PAD] has been presented before us," said Tomko. "Fields has come before us with a proposed project called 'the Hudson' to be built on the [nearby parking] lot."
Edelstein said Robert Caufield of Fields Development has reached out to PADNA and given the dimensions of the towers. But Tomko said PADNA has not been "given a formal presentation."
Edelstein also said the PADNA has a construction committee that includes her, Simon, and five other residents with backgrounds in architecture who understand how development works.
"We are not anti-development but we are about responsible development," said Edelstein.
Arts district is changing
In the PAD, warehouse buildings are morphing into residential housing and new stores are sprouting up. The area stretches east to west from Marin to Washington boulevards and from north to south from Second to Bay streets.
The taller buildings in the district may be a result of a legal settlement last year between the city and the private developer of 110 and 111 First St.
Last year, PADNA members came out against the settlement, which allowed the owners to build two towers on the properties that could reach higher than 40 and 60 stories.
The First Street buildings were once located in the PAD, but were then placed in a special "Powerhouse Arts Residence Zone" that allows for the larger building heights.
Last week Tomko said the 110 and 111 First St. settlement created a "domino effect," opening the door for other developers to consider doing projects that are less about preserving the existing historic warehouses and more about tearing down and creating anew.
PAD resident Marc Simon said he moved to the district because there is a community feeling. But he doesn't rule out moving away if he sees too many of these towers becoming a reality.
"It was difficult enough moving from Manhattan to Jersey City, but I don't want to live amongst all these tall buildings," said Simon.
City Councilman Steven Fulop, who represents the PAD, said he will continue to work with PADNA to help them with their development concerns. Fulop also had lashed out at the approval of the 110 and 111 First St. settlement and its possible domino effect.
Ricardo Kaulessar can also be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com
Last edited by tbal; February 18th, 2007 at 04:21 PM.
Interesting. The Hudson Had broken ground a few months back-- they cleared the lot and pounded in 6 or so pilings. But then a few weeks back they stopped making any progress at all. I wonder if this means they are waiting to get approvals for something taller.
Trump's local apprentice
Co-developer talks about 'Trump Plaza: Jersey City,' and working with The Donald
Ricardo Kaulessar
Reporter staff writer
WORKING WITH TRUMP ?
Local developer Dean Geibel spoke about
Trump Plaza: Jersey City last week
while potential buyers viewed models of the building.
As the afternoon sun was setting last week, real estate developer Dean Geibel looked out of the 13th floor of the Trump Plaza sales center office on Montgomery Street, near the Jersey City waterfront.
From the sales center, Geibel could see in the distance the actual Trump Plaza under construction.
"I meet people on the street, and I start going on and on about how much I enjoy doing this project," said Geibel, one of the developers of the project, and a partner in Hoboken-based Metro Homes.
So far, Geibel hasn't heard the phrase "You're fired!" from the most famous developer on the project, real estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump.
But Geibel, who got Trump involved in the project after meeting him via a New Jersey golf course, enjoys working with The Donald.
"You never know what he what come up with next," Geibel said, referring to some of the project's more interesting luxury amenities.
What it is
The Trump name is certainly helping the project's recognition, and its sales have been brisk.
The $415 million two-tower project is currently under construction on Washington Boulevard. The first tower, which will have 55 stories and 445 residential units, is expected to be ready for occupancy in March, 2008.
"You can see the garage and retail to the right, which is seven stories, we're complete with that," said Geibel. "The tower is going up right now; we're up to the 25th floor. The good news is all the hard work is done, especially breaking ground and building from the ground up. We'll be at 55 stories before you know it."
What's in a name?
When completed, "Trump Plaza: Jersey City" will consist of two residential buildings, 55 and 50 stories, with a combined total of 862 condos.
There will also be seven-story base with a garage of 696 parking spaces and with 23,000 square feet of prime retail space.
The base will accommodate a business center, home theater screening room, a private 8,000 square foot fitness center, a rooftop plaza with an outdoor heated swimming pool, a private landscaped yard, a children's play area, and an enclosed basketball court.
Partnering with the 'Donald'
Geibel approached Trump in spring 2005 about becoming involved in the Jersey City project. They had already struck up a relationship when Geibel was golfing on Trump's golf course in Bedminster, N.J.
"Of course, the Trump name is the gold standard in luxury living, and it also adds value to the condos and velocity to the sales," said Geibel.
When asked if Trump is just a partner in name only, Geibel laughed.
"I get asked that question a lot, and people don't realize how much involvement he has in the project," said Geibel, who did not disclose how much money Trump has invested.
Geibel said the project was reshaped from the original conception. It was once known as Harborspire and was to be built by a partnership of Hoboken-based Applied Housing and Jersey City developer Joseph Panepinto, until they sold their rights to Metro Homes.
"I took a drive around Manhattan with [Trump's son] Donald Jr. to see all his various properties and to see what he expected his buildings to look like," said Geibel. "I had no problem dealing with him because he knows exactly what he wants, and he's not afraid to speak his mind."
Geibel when asked if Trump's involvement overshadowed Geibel's name as a local developer, he said he didn't see a problem taking a backseat to Trump.
Geibel, along with his partner Paul Fried are the founders of Metro Homes, which since 1993 had built a number of residences in Hudson County including currently Gull's Cove, a community of 431 condominium residences in Jersey City, and MetroStop, 113 condominium homes in Hoboken.
$2M penthouses sold
Geibel said he had been getting customers mostly from New Jersey and from as far away as Korea.
He said he has traveled to various parts of New Jersey to meet with future customers.
"A lot of people are excited about wanting to move here, and I am excited telling them about why they should move here," said Geibel.
Sales on condos in the first tower have reached 215 since they were put on the market in September, according to Geibel and Trump Plaza spokesperson George Cahn.
Trump Plaza's studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominiums range from 750 to 2,050 square feet and are currently priced from $445,000 to more than $2 million before completion. Geibel said two of the penthouse apartments in the first tower, each fetching about $2 million, had been sold recently.
Geibel said the sales "threshold" has not been reached in terms of dictating the construction of the companion 50-story tower.
But Geibel said the $1.6 million tax abatement payment for the second tower has already paid in anticipation of building the next tower.
Unusual amenities
Geibel said selling points are the aqua grottos or group showers, where fully dressed individuals can enjoy watery relaxation. And then there are the BMW Zipcars.
Zipcar is the world's largest car sharing service and currently operate in London, England and 13 states.
Geibel said Trump clued him in on this idea.
"You never know what he what come up with next," said Geibel. "Until Donald told me about this, I had no idea what was a Zipcar."
Trump Plaza is expected to have three Zipcars, according to Geibel.
While Geibel was giving his interview, some potential buyers were in the sales office touring the replica kitchen and bedroom space of a future condo.
Couple notices the name
A Cliffside Park couple, Hannah Kim and Tae Min, were taken with wanting to settle in Trump Plaza for different reasons.
"For me, it's the name that got my attention," said Kim.
"I work on Wall Street and I can take the train over to work in no time," said Min.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com
©The Hudson Reporter 2007
A few newspaper articles on the matter has 40% of the housing priced at market rate and the other 60% at moderate income (residents need to earn at least 50%-60% of the JC median income). Heard no news concerning any of the housing being Section 8.Originally Posted by LincolnParkResident
Last edited by MrWolf; February 19th, 2007 at 02:35 AM. Reason: accuracy update
Nothing new...
I would like to the PAD redevelopment plan enforced instead of these developers cominh in and dictating. The Hudson was waiting for more approval from the DEP last I heard.
People this is nothing new. While Jersey City and Brooklyn's development efforts continue to parallel one another, BK residents are fighting the same type of development that JC is fighting in the PAD, in DUMBO. Check it out:http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/763
Yeah I agree that it the idea of the PAD would have been nice to see fully executed, but I don't think the city benefited from having 111 First vacant for 18 months while they fought legal battles over it. Also, isn't the western side of Manochevitz outside of the PAD, technically?
Happy B-Day GW
Yes Ian the parking lot side near the entrance is outside technally speaking. Also here is some more news coming out of Jersey City that has to do with preservation:
Washington Committee honors George at Apple Tree House
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
By ALI WINSTON
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
On a sunny, yet bitingly cold afternoon, members of the George Washington Commemorative Committee held their 23rd annual wreath-laying at the historic Apple Tree House on Academy Street yesterday to honor the country's first president.
"This ceremony is a patriotic observance in honor of President Washington," said Ed Meehan, the event organizer. Meehan said the idea for the wreath-laying stemmed from a celebration of President Abraham Lincoln's birthday, and Presidents Day seemed an appropriate occasion.
The Apple Tree House is well-suited for such an event. Also known as the Van Wagenen House, the structure dates back to 1740, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Local legend has it that then-General Washington met with the Marquis de Lafayette at the house. Washington was known to have reconnoitered the area for military operations, and may have held meetings with local revolutionaries in nearby orchards owned by the Van Wagenens. However, Meehan said the area was a Loyalist stronghold and such a high-profile meeting was dubious.
Registered as a city, state, and national landmark, the Apple Tree House was acquired by the city in 1999 after falling into disrepair. It is currently undergoing extensive repairs, which are expected to be finished by this spring. Once the interior is renovated, the building will open as a "period house" that will reflect Jersey City's colonial past.
The restoration of one of Jersey City's oldest buildings is eagerly anticipated by many Journal Square residents.
"I look at this house every day from my office," said Ahmed Shedeed, the president of the Islamic Center of Jersey City, whose office is directly opposite the Apple Tree House. "It'll be beautiful once repairs are finished."
For those of you who on occasion pop in to newyorkssixth, you may have realized Ive been compiling images of all the buildings in the downtown of Jersey City. Anyway, I created a master list of the downtown buildings-- the system I had for navigating the directory was just clearly not working. Anyway, check out the master list (and if im missing anything downtown or made any mistakes, please let me know, im not infalliable)
http://jerseycity.newyorkssixth.com/...hitecture.html
Also, each building links to photos and data.
Last edited by ianmac47; February 20th, 2007 at 06:05 PM.
That's an impressive list. Where do you draw the lines between highrise and midrise and midrise and lowrise?
It was very subjective I suppose, but generally I considered low-rise to be less than 5 stories, midrise to be 6 to 15, high rise greater than 15. Or maybe it was 17. One or two buildings may have slipped in the wrong category.
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