The Modern in Fort Lee — Courtesy: SJP Properties
By Joshua Burd
SJP Properties is set to open its second 47-story residential tower at the foot of the George Washington Bridge, as it nears the completion of a high-profile redevelopment project in Fort Lee.
The firm announced that it has launched leasing at phase two of The Modern, which is now a set of striking glass residential towers at 100 Park Ave. Much like the first building, the mirror image second tower features 450 upscale apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, many of them offering sweeping views of Manhattan and surrounding areas.
SJP, which has joint ventured with PGIM Real Estate and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. for the project, said phase one is nearly 100 percent leased.
“There is really nothing else like The Modern available to renters in New Jersey,” Steven Pozycki, founder, chairman and CEO of SJP Properties, said in a prepared statement. “No other community offers the unparalleled combination of high-end features and finishes, resort-style amenities and inspired architecture that’s found here, as is evidenced by the leasing success of the development’s first tower.
“We’re excited to have delivered an iconic development that is shaping the future of Fort Lee, and we look forward to welcoming our newest residents to Phase II.”
Monthly rents at The Modern start at $1,717 for a studio, $2,631 for a one-bedroom, $3,604 for a two-bedroom and $6,466 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, the 900-unit complex features floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end interiors and 150,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities. The newest tower includes a modern fitness center and spa, a bowling alley and other offerings, along with outdoor features such as an infinity pool, a basketball court and an expansive rolling lawn area.
SJP has also begun construction of a nearly two-acre public park that will sit between The Modern’s two towers, the firm said. Inspired by Manhattan’s Central Park, the new park will enhance walkability and connectivity and be available to both residents of The Modern and of Fort Lee.
Additional plans call for a 7,000-square-foot restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, SJP said. Meantime, the firm will assist in the development of an adjoining 13,000-square-foot building to be donated to the borough of Fort Lee, which will house a large public theater and a public museum referencing Fort Lee’s historical ties to the film industry.
“The creation of this park signifies SJP’s commitment to making downtown Fort Lee really thrive,” Pozycki said. “The Modern and the public park will anchor Fort Lee’s Main Street, and provide timeless solutions that elevate the standard of living in the neighborhood. These are amenities that people will enjoy for years to come.”
The Bozzuto Group is The Modern’s exclusive leasing and management firm, SJP said. Each tower offers on-site parking and a courtesy shuttle that provides daily access to New York City, with pickups and drop-offs to the Manhattan subway less than 10 minutes away.
The Modern occupies about half of a 16-acre redevelopment site near the iconic bridge, sitting opposite a mixed-used project known as Hudson Lights. Built by Tucker Development, Kushner Real Estate Group and Ares Management, the latter includes 276 apartments and 141,000 square feet of retail space, including a 34,000-square-foot iPic Theater.
Together, the projects have transformed a site that local officials had sought to redevelop for decades.
