235 Grand in Jersey City — Courtesy: QuallsBenson
By Joshua Burd
As renters flock to a new 46-story apartment tower in Jersey City, the U.S. Green Building Council has endorsed the project for its sustainable design and construction.
Ironstate Development Co. and Kushner Real Estate Group, the developers of what’s known as 235 Grand, announced Tuesday that the tower has earned LEED certification from the USGBC, referring to the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design scale. According to the joint venture, the USGBC praised their approach to implementing practical and measurable solutions aimed at creating a building that is healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving.
“LEED certification identifies 235 Grand as a showcase example of sustainability and demonstrates your leadership in transforming the building industry,” said Mahesh Ramunujam, CEO and president of the USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc.
The distinction comes seven months after the 549-unit tower opened to the public. The developers and a team from The Marketing Directors have leased more than 80 percent of the homes, touting its dramatic views of Manhattan, New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.
Designed by HLW International, 235 Grand also includes a long list of indoor and outdoor amenities to complement its high-end apartments.
“Achieving LEED certification for 235 Grand reflects our vision for this building and its positive impact on Jersey City,” said Michael Barry, Ironstate’s CEO and president. “We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to sustainable building practices, and are delighted that renters looking for exceptional design, modern residences, a full amenity package and a prime downtown Jersey City location continue to choose 235 Grand.”
Jonathan Kushner, president of KRE Group, added that his firm “has embraced LEED development with an ongoing commitment to sustainable design and construction.”
“More and more residents today are connecting with residential options that reflect their eco-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing the modern amenities and services they expect in a luxury building,” Kushner said. “235 Grand is living up to those high expectations.”
The property offers Jersey City renters another option just blocks from the Hudson River waterfront and the offerings of the downtown. Amenities include a fitness center, barre and yoga studio, resident lounge and co-working spaces, along with a landscaped roof terrace with a swimming pool, movie screen, fire pit and grills.
Monthly net rents currently start at $2,535 for studios, from $2,750 for one-bedroom residences and from $4,265 for two-bedroom homes.
“235 Grand’s market-leading leasing velocity stems in large part from its ability to attract local renters as well as those relocating from Manhattan, Long Island City, Queens and Brooklyn,” said Jacqueline Urgo, president of The Marketing Directors. “Jersey City’s reputation as a destination for the arts, culture, dining and nightlife, with excellent proximity to Manhattan, is well-established and more and more people from the metropolitan area are choosing to make this their home.”
