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a TWO-TOWER high-rise development in North Jersey emphasizes cutting-edge design and energy efficiency, but with a careful eye towards feng shui livability

By Laura D.C. Kolnoski

Up and down the Garden State, examples of the future of modern living are rising and thriving. Decidedly urban, high-tech, and typically energy efficient, today’s residential developments combine the elements people want most—proximity to work, shopping, entertainment, and transportation, along with amenities and environmentally responsible features. Water views, as always, just sweeten the pot. What’s going on along the Hudson River in Weehawken and West New York is a prime example of all of the above, enhanced with desirable feng shui design.

Welcome to Port Imperial and its high rises RiverParc and RiverTrace. The former, set to open its first units in January, is scheduled for May 2015 completion. RiverTrace opened a little over a year ago and is almost fully leased. Residents have since been enjoying that building’s health club, outdoor lounges, spa/pool and outdoor fire pit.

“We have seen extraordinarily high demand at RiverTrace and throughout Port Imperial from those seeking luxury, amenity-rich living with seamless access to New York City and Northern New Jersey,” said Andy Marshall, executive vice president of development for Roseland Properties, the developer. RiverParc is the first residential project by developer Mack-Cali of Edison since acquiring the Short Hillsbased Roseland.

“We have received very positive feedback from the residents at RiverTrace,” he added. “Not only does it offer the spectacular New York City views that Port Imperial is renowned for, it also provides a host of high-end amenities. We are seeking to build a visionary lifestyle in these communities to fit the needs and demands of the present-day renter.”

The renaissance of Port Imperial, in the works since the late 1990s, comprises a 2.5-mile-long redevelopment of former industrial land across the Hudson River from Manhattan, featuring luxury multi-family communities in transit-oriented locations. Near the New York Waterway ferry and New Jersey Transit’s Hudson Bergen Light Rail, when complete, the $3 billion development will have 400,000 square feet of office space and 250,000 square feet of retail, including restaurants. About half that retail is complete. Over 6,400 residential units have been approved, and 3,000 are already completed, Marshall said.

“Having ferry, bus, and light rail all in one location provides unparalleled options for residents to commute to work,” he added. “Port Imperial is a particularly unique destination because what was once an under-utilized plot of land along the ‘Gold Coast’ now provides a complete urban experience within steps of each residence.”

Nicole Spread

Roseland is about to begin construction on a new 364-room hotel and public parking garage, and is in the design phase of another new apartment community, likely to break ground in mid-2015 in West New York. It will have 363 units and 20,000 square feet of new retail. Lennar Corporation of Miami is currently constructing a new condominium building with approximately 120 homes and retail. Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. of Red Bank is also involved in Port Imperial, which is projected for full completion in about five years.

RiverParc’s 280 units—studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom upscale rental units—range from 457 to 1,405 square feet in the ten-story building, many with unobstructed views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Units feature stone and tile bathrooms, hardwood floors, granite kitchen countertops, and stainless steel appliances. In addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center, amenities in the com-mon areas will include a golf simulator, indoor heated pool, sauna, juice bar, yoga room, children’s play room, theater, and video gaming room, conference room, and clubroom with billiards, game tables, and computer stations. Outside, a terrace with a children’s playground, badminton court, movie projectors, a children’s interactive fountain, contemplation fountain, barbeque grills, pool tables, ping pong tables, and a fire pit make for maximum enjoyment any time of year.

Both RiverTrace and RiverParc feature feng shui design.

“We utilize a feng shui consultant on every project,” explained Marshall. “We find that its process leads to better design of the units and the common areas, enhancing the overall livability of the buildings.”

The residences have also received the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED standards require reduction of overall utility usage, and feature more efficient systems and infrastructure. Apartments have bamboo wood floors, spacious and light-filled living spaces, appliances and fixtures that save energy and water, low-VOC paints, and provide easy access to public transportation; all reducing footprints on the environment. The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, which runs along the shoreline, also offers miles of eye-popping views along the water’s edge.