The Montclarion at Bay Street Station — Courtesy: Value Cos.
By Joshua Burd
An arts organization will occupy the ground floor of a new apartment building in downtown Montclair, as its developer nears the completion of leasing at the 40-unit property.
Richard Polton, a member of the development team, said this week that Studio Montclair has taken 1,100 square feet at the building known as The Montclarion at Bay Street Station. Located at 127 Bloomfield Ave., the space will feature a gallery, meeting facilities, workshops and offices for the nonprofit, along with eight large street-front windows programmed for public art displays.
The facility will serve an organization that has promoted culture and education in the visual arts in northern New Jersey through events for more than two decades, according to a news release. It has done so largely through community programs, development workshops, lectures and talks and curated art exhibits.
“This is a wonderful fit for both the organization, the neighborhood and residents of the building,” Polton said. “This growing arts organization will unquestionably enliven the Eastern Gateway area of Montclair and bring a range of activities to the neighborhood. We’re excitedly looking forward to a variety of openings, displays, sales and other art related activities that will engage a wide audience.”
Polton also said The Montclarion at Bay Street Station, which is slated to open this fall, has leased 32 of its 40 upscale one- and two-bedroom apartments. Value Asset Management, the leasing and management agent for the five-story building, expects to complete the lease-up less than five months after opening to the public.
The property is the new sister building to The Montclarion, a neighboring 56-unit rental community originally built in 1985 and recently upgraded by Polton. The new brick and glass structure, designed by Sionas Architecture, is steps from an NJ Transit station and includes living spaces with high-end finishes and appliances, along with amenities such as an exercise room, rooftop patio and covered parking.
