A model unit at The Mint, a 116-unit luxury apartment building at 81 Monroe St. in Rahway — Courtesy: Fields Grade and The Slokker Group
By Joshua Burd
A joint venture has taken the wraps off a new 116-unit high-end apartment building in downtown Rahway, the first of two planned phases of a site just minutes from the city’s train station.
The developers, Fields Grade and The Slokker Group, welcomed Mayor Raymond Giacobbe and other officials on Friday to unveil The Mint at 81 Monroe St. They touted the project as the latest addition to the long-running revitalization of Rahway’s central business district, one that is anchored by dining and culture alongside a growing stock of luxury rentals.
They also noted that the project is a long time coming, with The Slokker Group having controlled the site since 2006.
“It’s been a collective effort to get to this beautiful building where are we are now,” said Nils Berten, U.S.A. vice president for The Slokker Group. “And we do a lot of work all throughout the United States, but I have to say, working in Rahway and with the people of Rahway is really No. 1 on my list.”
Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, The Mint includes studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with high-end interiors and finishes. Initial monthly rents start at $1,545, with one month free on a 13-month lease, according to The Marketing Directors, the building’s marketing and leasing agent.
Leasing is set to begin this week, as the developers now look ahead to a second phase on an adjacent parcel. Robert Giannone, development manager for Fields Grade, said the team is pursuing a site plan amendment on an existing approval and hopes to break ground this springo on an additional 108 units.
“We’re super excited with this phase, we’re incredibly excited for the next phase and we want to be a part of Rahway moving forward, so we’re always looking for opportunities,” Giannone said during Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We’re excited to be here and it really starts from the top down.”
It’s why he credited Giacobbe with having the vision and experience that “has really helped push this process forward.” The mayor, in turn, cited the importance of being able to work with developers who are interested in building a long-term relationship with the city.
“They want to be a part of the town, they want to help build the community,” Giacobbe said, praising the initiative of former Mayor James Kennedy, who kicked off redevelopment efforts in the downtown during nearly two decades in office. “And I’m all about community. I was born and raised in this city and it’s a joy to see how far we’ve come.”
Amenities at The Mint include a clubroom, a lounge with a billiards table and work cubes, a fitness center with yoga room and FitnessOnDemand and a dog wash room, according to a news release. The building also features outdoor spaces such as a second-floor landscaped deck with a swimming pool, grilling area and fire pit, along with covered parking and 6,000 square feet of retail space.
The project team, meantime, highlighted Rahway’s in-town offerings, including the 199-seat Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts and the Union County Performing Arts Center. They also cited a location that is minutes from routes 27 and 1 and 9, with quick access to the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike.
“The Mint provides a fresh new lifestyle choice for residents who already recognize Rahway’s appeal or are newly discovering it,” said Jacqueline Urgo, president of The Marketing Directors. “The combination of modern homes and amenities in a vibrant, commuter-friendly location will resonate with today’s renter.”
