Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop (center), along with fellow local officials, recently joined development principals from Alpine Residential and Fields Grade for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony for apartment buildings known as Atlas and Starling, part of a growing housing stock in the city’s historic Bergen-Lafayette area. — Courtesy: Alpine/Fields Grade
By Joshua Burd
The historic Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood in Jersey City took center stage last week as city officials marked the arrival of two new apartment buildings with a combined 208 units.
The projects’ developers, Alpine Residential and Fields Grade, welcomed the dignitaries on Thursday for a tour that included a 24-story, 169-unit property at 270 Johnston Ave. and another 39 homes at 66 Monitor St. The former, known as Atlas, is the tallest building in Bergen-Lafayette and served as a backdrop for the visit by Mayor Steven Fulop, City Council President Joyce E. Watterman and Ward A Councilwomen Denise Ridley.
“I visited this project a couple months ago and right away I was amazed by the views here and the potential for this part of Jersey City,” Fulop said, adding: “Anybody that drives by these buildings would say it is a huge asset and benefit for this entire community. Think about what changes have happened underneath us in this Bergen-Lafayette area. You see more coffee shops or restaurants or people on the streets that didn’t exist four or five years ago.
“Thank you to Alpine Residential and Fields Grade and the entire team for their limitless commitment and dedication to this city.”
Atlas and the second building, Starling, are among several projects by Alpine and Fields Grade that are infusing new energy into the neighborhood just west of the Newark Bay Extension and Liberty State Park. The firms’ Bergen Lafayette Collection will ultimately comprise nearly 1,000 apartments across five mixed-use building that also include dining and retail spaces such as the acclaimed Roxy restaurant, Eggs Up breakfast café, premium Japanese donut and bubble tea shop MochiDough/BoberTea and Cheeky’s New Orleans-style sandwiches.
“Our commitment to Bergen-Lafayette began in 2018 when we recognized the neighborhood’s untapped potential as a hidden residential gem,” said William Rosato, managing partner of Alpine Residential. “With the introduction of Atlas and Starling, we now have five thriving rental properties in our Bergen-Lafayette portfolio, complemented by an exciting mix of retailers. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of Mayor Fulop and his administration, who have championed development in emerging neighborhoods west of the waterfront like Bergen-Lafayette.”
Rob Caulfield, a principal at Jersey City-based Fields Grade, added: “We are grateful to have Mayor Fulop join us today in celebrating this special occasion. Bergen-Lafayette has all the essential elements of a desirable residential neighborhood — new homes, retail, excellent access to downtown Jersey City and nearby open spaces like Liberty State Park. The success of Atlas and Starling clearly shows that residents have embraced the urban lifestyle experience we are offering here.”
Designed by MHS Architecture and featuring interiors by GRT Architecture, Atlas draws inspiration from the neighborhood’s post-industrial roots while engaging with the Hudson waterfront and the New York City skyline. Renters can choose from floorplans ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, while they have access to amenities such as a modern fitness center, coworking spaces and a 24th-floor lounge with Manhattan skyline views.
“Together with Alpine Residential and Fields Grade, MHS Architecture has designed The Atlas as an iconic gateway building into the heart of Jersey City,” said Mike Higgins, managing principal of MHS Architecture. “The slender 25-story tower puts a pin on the map, and has already become a catalyst for more transit oriented development in the burgeoning Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood.”Watterman, the city council president, added: “For a project like this to happen you need partnership. The government can’t do it alone. You always need private partnerships to get it done. I want to thank you for the partnership. We don’t take it for granted. Let’s continue to do great things in neighborhoods that we can revitalize because the people deserve it.”
Meantime, the developers noted that the GRT-designed Starling preserves the century-old Monitor Street building’s façade that once adorned the site while offering new high-end rentals. The property also has amenities such as a rooftop lounge, outdoor dining and seating areas and a fitness center, among others, while boasting permanent art collections that reflect the vibrancy and history of urban life in one of New Jersey’s cultural epicenters.
South Oxford Management, Alpine’s affiliated management company, is directing the leasing and management of the properties.
“Every time I do one of these ribbon cuttings, I am impressed,” said Ridley, the Ward A councilwoman. “I want to say thank you for taking the time to looking into the Bergen-Lafayette area and making sure that you invest here.”
