Mack-Cali Realty Corp. CEO Michael J. DeMarco (left) joins Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Council President Rolando R. Lavarro Jr. to cut the ribbon on the company’s new Lutze beer garden. — Courtesy: Mack-Cali
By Joshua Burd
In the latest sign of its plans to remake its footprint along the Hudson waterfront, Mack-Cali Realty Corp. has opened the doors to a new beer garden in Jersey City.
The real estate giant last week marked the grand opening of the outdoor Lutze beer garden, a 23,000-square-foot space alongside its Harborside complex in Jersey City. Featuring three seating areas and a range of food and beverage options, the space at 15 Second St. will be open daily from May through October and feature events and live entertainment.
Mack-Cali CEO Michael DeMarco joined Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop on Thursday to cut the ribbon on the beer garden, which is the latest addition to an area that is known for its office space and is now adding luxury residential development. In March, Mack-Cali and Ironstate Development unveiled Jersey City Urby, a new 69-story tower with 762 apartments.
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“We are thrilled to open the doors of the Lutze to Jersey City as the Hudson Waterfront continues to develop itself into a vibrant destination for the entire community to enjoy,” DeMarco said in a prepared statement. “Just in time for the spring and summer season, the Lutze will provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience featuring spectacular views of New York City’s iconic skyline.”
The grand opening featured more than 70 vendors, along with food trucks, drinks and games, children’s face painting and a fireworks display, according to a news release. Throughout its open season, patrons will be able to order craft beers, cider, wine and sangria, plus food from Jake’s Downtown and Bacon Me Crazy.
The Lutze also includes fire pits, games and an event stage. Mack-Cali added that the venue is family- and pet-friendly.
The real estate investment trust, which recently spearheaded the creation of a new special improvement district around the Exchange Place section of Jersey City, is reportedly investing $90 million to activate and reimagine its footprint in Harborside. The transformed complex will feature high-end dining and shopping experiences in an open layout, with easy access to a waterfront esplanade and views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.
“Thanks to their commitment and faith in our community, the Lutze expects to provide nearly 100 job opportunities to the local community and will be donating a substantial portion of their profits to local charities and political causes that benefit thousands of residents across our city,” Fulop said.
