A rendering of a redesigned and renovated streetscape in front Mack-Cali Realty Corp.’s Harborside complex in Jersey City — Courtesy: Mack-Cali
By Joshua Burd
Mack-Cali Realty Corp. is providing a new glimpse at the long-awaited overhaul of its flagship campus in Jersey City, where it will unveil a series of upgraded office buildings, amenities for tenants and programming to draw visitors to its redesigned public spaces.
The real estate investment trust on Monday revealed new renderings of spaces such as Harborside 1, a 422,590-square-foot building that has been reskinned and modernized, along with upscale common areas and retail and restaurant options. In the process, the company announced a host of events and other offerings aimed at activating the 4.3 million-square-foot complex along the Hudson River, including the first New Jersey location for the largest weekly open-air food market in the country.
“Harborside’s premier office spaces, top-tier amenities and abundant recreational areas, coupled with its waterfront access, close proximity to public transit and ample on-site parking, make it an ideal destination for workers, visitors and locals alike,” Mack-Cali CEO Mahbod Nia said. “With these latest improvements, Harborside is well-positioned to be the workplace solution for the future as office life across the tristate area is reinvigorated.”
The REIT said Harborside 1, which rises nine stories, boasts a new façade and lobby, significant infrastructure upgrades and a private terrace on the fourth floor with expansive views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. The lobby level has direct indoor access to a mix of retail that will support and cater to the professionals that work at Harborside, along with dining options that connect to a waterfront boardwalk.
SLIDESHOW: Mack-Cali's Harborside upgrade
All images courtesy: Mack-Cali Realty Corp.
Mack-Cali also touted the campus’ renewed emphasis on flexibility in the wake of the pandemic, citing a mix of desks and conference rooms, cafes and lounges and outdoor spaces that provide a range of choices for office workers, according to a news release. In addition, Harborside recently received a Gold Star rating from Hackensack Meridian Health in recognition of its COVID-19 protocols.
“The repositioning of Harborside is designed to meet this moment,” said Mary Ann Tighe, CEO of CBRE’s New York tristate region and project consultant. “The virtually column-free, large floors accommodate a broad range of uses, from tech and media companies to financial and professional service firms. And the waterfront-facing, light filled spaces are connected to a campus that provides expansion opportunities and a broad array of amenities, immediate access to transit in all forms, and a wide variety of residential options — all at compelling economics.”
Mack-Cali detailed the upgrades while announcing that Smorgasburg, a renowned food festival and open-air market, will open its first New Jersey location at Harborside. The REIT noted that the operator attracts tens of thousands of visitors each weekend to its other locations, which have included multiple sites around New York City.
The landlord will also introduce Ziggy, a distinctive public art display consisting of vibrant, colorful structures that invite public interaction. Designed by Hou de Sousa, the installation will reside in the Atrium at Harborside.
Other plans call for a temporary, pedestrian-only outdoor space known as Hudson Green that will be activated seasonally with a combination of ongoing exhibitions, partnerships and community-focused programming, the news release said. Highlights include drive-in movies, yoga and weekly live music.
“The waterfront is one of Jersey City’s many unique assets, and I’m confident Mack-Cali’s reimagined Harborside will not only be a valuable addition to our growing business community, but now with all its additional activations and programming, the local neighborhood will also benefit greatly,” Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop said. “We appreciate Mack-Cali’s ongoing commitment to creating a best-in-class mixed-use environment for all of our residents and visitors.”
Along with five Class A commercial buildings, Harborside offers more than 71,000 square feet of retail, indoor and outdoor dining options, fitness and wellness programming, a daycare center and on-site parking, the news release said. Mack-Cali has tapped CBRE’s team of retail brokers to bring other high-end operators to the space and complement existing offerings such as the popular District Kitchen food hall and the nearby Hyatt Regency Jersey City.
“The repositioning of Harborside aligns well with our tenants’ return to work,” said Edward Guiltinan, Mack-Cali’s senior vice president of leasing. “In addition to providing first-class office space, we are fortunate to be able to offer wide-ranging amenities and outdoor space for our tenants to enjoy.”
Mack-Cali prepares to debut new-look Harborside, with a new approach to leasing
