Building 78 at Kearny Point — Courtesy: Hugo Neu
By Joshua Burd
A project that calls for redeveloping a historic, 2 million-square-foot former shipyard in Kearny has attracted a Manhattan-based operator that will open a high-end event space at the property.
In a news release, owner and developer Hugo Neu said it has signed a lease agreement with JPO Concepts to open Craneway Loft and Rooftop on the top floor of Building 78 at Kearny Point. The firm will manage and operate the space, which features a 3,000-square-foot indoor loft-style room and access to the building’s fully renovated 5,000-square-foot outdoor rooftop area, offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the surrounding New Jersey waterfront.
The owners have obtained a liquor license for the private space, with plans to host events such as weddings, engagement parties and mitzvahs, the news release said. Other functions include product events, such as fashion shows and food and beverage tastings, along with business events such as conferences and trade shows.
“The opening of Craneway Loft and Rooftop at Building 78 is an exciting milestone not just for the existing Kearny Point community, but for all of those in the region that are in search of a chic, Manhattan-style event loft on this side of the Hudson,” said Stephen Nislick, chief financial officer at Hugo Neu. “This space offers a high-end, yet accessibly priced, indoor-outdoor venue that can be customized to host nearly any type of event.”
Building 78 is the anchor of Kearny Point, which is less than five miles from Manhattan and adjacent to Jersey City’s West Side, spanning more 130 acres of industrial space on the site. Hugo Neu is redeveloping the property, having already attracted uses such as a co-working space, restaurants and other businesses.
Tuesday’s news release noted that the new event space features a roster of photoshoot-ready amenities, including built-in 20V power capabilities, a green room and furnished changing room, adjustable lighting and “white-on-white” backdrops.
“There’s a huge demand for private event venues in the region — and especially for modern, versatile spaces like this — as the market has traditionally only had access to large conference centers, restaurant banquet halls and the so-called hotel ‘wedding factories,’ ” said Helah Kehati, president at JPO Concepts. “While this unique venue style has already taken off in New York City, Craneway Loft and Rooftop is now one of the first and only spaces of its kind in New Jersey.”
