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Journal Square is a historic residential and business district in Jersey City that achieved fame for its vibrant assortment of movie palaces. Named after the Jersey Journal newspaper that once housed their headquarters in the area, Journal Square is served by a multi-modal transportation hub that provides PATH rail service to Newark, Harrison, Hoboken, and Jersey City, plus lower and midtown Manhattan in New York City. While most transit hubs are credited with injecting life into an urban area, the relocation of the Port Authority bus terminal coupled with the popularity of local shopping malls actually decreased foot traffic. Though the decline of the neighbourhood has left a gap in the local economy, it has also presented a clean slate of sorts for some developers who are hoping to rejuvenate this cultural corridor. KRE Group and National Real Estate Advisors are among two city builders realizing this potential, reaching into their pocketbooks, and investing in the area with a three-tower residential development.
The first tower of the Journal Squared project — measuring in at 175 metres (574 feet) and 53 floors — topped out in December. It will be joined by two taller buildings standing at 222 and 193 metres (728 and 633 feet), representing 70 and 60 storeys respectively. In total, the complex will host 1,838 units of rental residences, 36,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and a large public plaza. Several pedestrian pathways and a resdesigned Magnolia Avenue are also in the works.
For residents, over 10,000 square feet of amenities will be available, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool, children's play area, and golf simulator. The towering trio has been designed by HWKN with Handel Architects as the architect of record. The buildings, implementing garden-topped setbacks at various levels, rise from a common retail and parking podium. The grid facade represents a departure from all-glass condominiums that are typically less energy efficient.
Recent photos of the project were uploaded by Forum contributor towerpower123 showing cladding wrapping the concrete structural skeleton. Though it's the shortest of the three, the building is already making a big impact on the cityscape. The photo below shows the tower looming in the distance as the Statue of Liberty gracefully stands in the foreground. The first Journal Squared tower is scheduled for completion at the end of 2016.
Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
