The lobby of 351 Marin Blvd. in Jersey City — Courtesy: KRE Group
By Joshua Burd
KRE Group has welcomed a new café to the lobby of 351 Marin, a 507-unit luxury apartment tower in downtown Jersey City that opened its doors in 2022.
Operated by Almost Home General, the 1,000-square-foot space is notable in that it connects directly to the building’s lobby while also accessible from the street. That provides a seamless experience for both residents and the general public, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating and a menu that includes premium coffee, tea and espresso drinks as well as fresh pastries and full breakfast and lunch offerings.
The 38-story building is the second Almost Home location to open in a building owned by Jersey City-based KRE Group, following the successful launch of a public café at the developer’s landmark Journal Squared project.
“We are thrilled to partner with KRE Group for a second time as we work together to set the standard for amazing local brands opening in residential lobby settings,” said Robert Doran, the founder of Almost Home General. “351 Marin is an excellent location, and it enters us into the Grove Street market, an area that is already known for its amazing and unique coffee culture. We want to be a true asset to the community and create a relaxed, refreshing experience for our customers.”
The debut of Almost Home General, a New Jersey-based brand of cafes, coffeehouses and coffee carts, comes three years after KRE opened 351 Marin in tandem with Northwestern Mutual. It’s part of an amenity set that includes a 37th-floor sky lounge with coworking spaces, banquette seating and an outdoor landscaped patio offering a tiered theater and sweeping views of the Manhattan and Jersey City skylines.
The building also has an eighth-floor amenity level with a 24-hour fitness center and a yoga, studio and group fitness area, along with a full entertainment kitchen, a movie and screening area, a game room and a children’s playroom, according to a news release. An outdoor, landscaped terrace features a pool deck with a resort-style pool, lounge seating, fire pits and grilling stations with prep counters. A community garden and dog run are located on the seventh floor, while residents also enjoy robust events programming and activations throughout the year such as a full schedule of fitness classes.
“We’re excited to welcome Almost Home General to 351 Marin,” said Jonathan Kushner, president of KRE Group. “We love partnering with local businesses that engage our residents, enhance our shared spaces and deliver something special to the community. With a longstanding commitment to community and connection, and a thriving location inside of our Journal Squared building, Almost Home is the perfect fit for 351 Marin.”
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