FROM HIGH-RISES TO HIGH-TICKET HOMES, NEW JERSEY’S LUXURY REAL ESTATE SCENE IS RED-HOT THIS SPRING, WITH A SLATE OF AMBITIOUS NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN RESIDENTIAL, RETAIL, AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE WORKS THAT WILL ENERGIZE AND INVIGORATE THE EVER-EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
BY INDUSTRY STAFF
TOP DEVELOPMENTS
JOURNAL SQUARED Jersey City / journalsquared.com
The third and final tower in this transformative retail and residential mega-complex in Jersey City was officially completed last fall, marking the culmination of a decade-long effort by KRE Group and National Real Estate Advisors. The $900 million, 2.3 million square-foot development features 1,840 light-filled luxury rentals across its three supertowers, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms. More than 100,000 square feet is allotted to amenities, spanning the expected (state-of-the-art f itness center, swanky lobby café and lounge, modern co-working spaces) to the unconventional, such as an indoor bouldering wall and boxing gym. The 36,000 square feet of street-level retail is integrated into the Magnolia Landing plaza, a dining and social hub that hosts farmers markets, live performances, and cultural gatherings. “We’re incredibly proud of the community we’ve built here and the role it has played in revitalizing Journal Square,” said Jonathan Kushner, president of KRE Group. “Journal Squared has drawn thousands of residents who embrace the neighbor hood’s unique character and culture while enjoying an unparalleled lifestyle.”
ARTS & POWERHOUSE BUILDING
Jersey City / artsandpowerhousebuilding.com
In 2017, Kushner and KABR Group acquired the property at 130 Bay Street in Jersey City, kicking off an ambitious $30 million renovation that transformed the former warehouse into a vibrant,
high-tech office and retail hub. Located in the heart of Jersey City’s thriving Powerhouse Arts District, the modern mixed-use building is officially open for leasing, and several high-profile tenants have already signed on, including Rumble Boxing, Daily Provisions, Spear Physical Therapy, and One Medical, an Amazon company. “The A&P Building brings a level of character and authenticity rarely seen in Jersey City’s office and commercial market,” said Adam Altman, managing member of KABR Group. “With its industrial bones, loft-style layouts, and a setting that reflects the neighborhood’s creative roots, it offers an experience more akin to Manhattan’s Meatpacking or Flatiron districts.”
THE MARQ TEANECK
Teaneck / themarqteaneck.com
This brand-new, six-story luxury rental community officially opened in March. Steered by Malas Development and designed by CPA Architecture, the boutique building features 256 upscale studio, one-, and two-bedroom residences, including
HOT SELLERS
JAPANESE-INSPIRED SANCTUARY
This architectural stunner, designed in the Frank Lloyd Wright tradition and featured on the TV series On the Road, features an unconventional hexagonal floorplan chiseled from red cedar walls with broad expanses of glass, high vaulted ceilings, and no fewer than 23 skylights. The real treat is the Japanese-inspired garden, encircled by mature bamboo trees and finished with a dry stream bed and mini bridge. Sold for $2,480,000 by Lisa Poggi, thelisapoggiteam.elliman.com
ALPINE FRENCH COUNTRY MEGA-MANSION
7 Bedrooms, 12 Bathrooms Sold for $16,700,000 by Rose marie Campi with Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
SHORESIDE STUNNER
6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms Sold for $11,350,000 by Lawrence J. Greenberg of M. Van Sciver Realtors
SHORT HILLS SHOWPIECE
7 Bedrooms, 10 Bathrooms Sold for $8,250,000 by Tony Verducci with Serhant New Jersey
EMERALD CITY CONTEMPORARY
5 Bedrooms, 8 Bathrooms Sold for $2,980,000 by Odnoo Celik with Coldwell Banker Realty premium top-floor lofts with soaring 19-foot ceilings. Residents are treated to luxury kitchens with polished quartz countertops and soft-close cabinetry, sun flooded bedrooms with matte tiled floor bathrooms, and private balconies (in select units), plus access to a slate of indoor-outdoor amenities. The landscaped courtyard boasts a pool, sundeck, private kitchens, BBQ and dining areas, fire pits, and a dog run, while a modern fitness studio, entertainment lounge, café, and co-working suites are waiting inside. Studios begin at $2,195.
ONE LACKAWANNA PLACE
Earlier this year, the Morristown planning board approved proposals for two large mixed-use projects near the train station in an ongoing initiative to revitalize and re-energize the historic area. One Lackawanna Place, a collaboration between Bijou Properties and MHS Architecture, will feature 89 residential units and 8,370 square feet of retail space, while Denholtz’s The Metro will combine residences, retail, and extended-stay hotel suites
RIVERTON IN SAYREVILLE riverton.com
This prodigious $2.5 billion project aims to revitalize a long dormant site along the Raritan River and Raritan Bay, turning what was once damaged and desolate into a vibrant, 6.5-million square foot lifestyle hub.
Led by North American Properties and PGIM Real Estate, the retail-driven concept will feature a mix of shops, restaurants, residences, hotels, and workspaces, all with spectacular water views. In December 2023, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved up to $400 million in Aspire tax credits to support the project’s advancement, and construction officially kicked off earlier this year, with the initiation of the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World as the first major structure.
NETFLIX STUDIOS
Fort Monmouth
The massive $903 million East Coast production studio from the streaming titan is moving full speed ahead. After its stirring announcement in December 2022 (the result of an attractive New Jersey Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program implemented by governor Phil Murphy), Netflix is expected to officially kick off construction later this year, with a completion target set for 2028. Set on the 298-acre former Fort Monmouth military base, the studio will be Netflix’s second largest production facility in the country and is expected to supercharge NJ’s film and television industry while creating thousands of jobs.
THE BALLANTINE
Newark / theballantine.com
The Ballantine Brewery was founded in 1840, producing millions of barrels of beer every year until it shuttered its doors in 1972. It was a cornerstone of Newark’s industrial history, and today it lives on as The Ballentine, a newly debuted residential hotspot and perfect addition to the Ironbound neighbor hood’s thriving cultural scene. Developed by Shorewood in partnership with Bridge Investment Group, the property features a collection of 280 stylishly outfitted homes (studio to two-bedrooms), plus modern amenities and 2,600 square feet of retail space. Homes boast modern luxuries like luxury plank flooring, custom closets, smart lock systems, and 9-foot ceilings, while amenities include a rooftop deck, land scaped courtyard with BBQs, yoga studio, game room with multi-sport simulator, and more. Studios begin in the low $2,000s.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
13 PELICAN DR N, AVALON
$11,850,000 / Juliana Marie Renteria / Ocean View Realty ovrealtynj.com
Enter through the 5-foot-wide teak doorway to find this spectacular resort-style manor in Avalon, a fully automated smart home controllable from your mobile device. A sun-swathed foyer is anchored by a modern helical steel stairway with solid cable railings, while the glass-enclosed family entertainment room offers sweeping views of the tree-lined bay. Contemporary, stunningly executed finishes abound, from grass cloth walls and large format honed porcelain floors to black brick and quartzite fireplaces. Outside, marble walkways connect the backyard entertainment deck (with an infinity pool, of course) to the floating dock with two boat slips.
THE ATLANTIC CLUB, LONG BRANCH
2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms $1,655,000 theatlantic-club.com
345 SECOND AVE, LONG BRANCH
3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms $1,999,999 / Chris Katz The Katz Team thekatzteam.com
10 BRANT DRIVE, ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS
4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms $3,300,000 / Kerrin O’Brien O’Brien Realty obrienrealtyllc.com
11 STONE BRIDGE CT, DEMAREST
4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms $3,225,000 / Taryn Byron Corcoran Infinity Properties corcoran.com
STONEHILL AT WEST ORANGE
“Our vision for Stonehill was to combine the creature comforts of home with the lifestyle perks of a five-star resort,” noted Jonathan Schwartz, Partner at BNE Real Estate Group, the developer of this newly launched residential rental community just minutes away from the action of Essex Green Town Center. The 400-plus one- and two-bedroom units feature 9- to 10-foot ceilings, oversized windows, modern plank flooring, stainless-steel appliances, in-unit washer/dryers, walk-in closets, custom modular shelving, abundant linen and pantry storage, built-in desks, and wine refrigerators. Amenities span 44,000 square feet and include 24/7 concierge service, an outdoor swimming pool with private cabanas, two multi-sport simulators, fire pits, private dining areas and multiple lounges, fitness studios, and entertainment zones, along with complimentary shuttle service to NJ Transit. One-bedrooms begin in the $2,600s.
WATERFRONT LIVING
1080 Ocean Ave Unit 402, Sea Bright $1,750,000 / Kathryn Bateman O’Brien Realty / obrienrealtyllc.com
This waterfront gem is Sea Bright is the perfect beachside retreat, set in a new construction boutique overlooking the sand and surf. Bright, sun-drenched interiors feature warm wooden floors, contemporary custom millwork, and crisp black window casings that beautifully juxtapose the neutral color palette. The open-concept kitchen features a large white quartz center island with enough space for four barstools (ideal for leisurely morning breakfasts or afternoon canapes), and a light washed great room with floor–to-ceiling windows funnels in views of the Atlantic. There’s also an ocean-facing terrace, plus a bonus room that can be fashioned into an office, study, or game room.
3 Island View Way, Sea Bright $4,495,000 / Thomas Verdiglione Douglas Elliman of NJ / elliman.com With seemingly endless views of the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River at every turn, this 7,000-square-foot show piece blends modern comforts with coastal charm. The six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath retreat is a chest of treasures: a fully equipped chef’s kitchen is finished with top-end Thermador appliances, custom Italian cabinetry, and a massive center island, while the decadent master suite offers a private balcony and gorgeous spa bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and crescent soaking tub. Basking in the ocean breeze comes with options: balconies, the landscaped backyard, or the dramatic roof top terrace. High ceilings and oversized windows ensure you aren’t robbed of water views while indoors, either.
116 Ocean Ave, Monmouth Beach $3,575,000 / Christen Sachs Nest Seekers International Jersey Coast nestseekers.com Nestled between the ocean and river, this stunning five-bedroom mansion is spread over 4,900 square feet and features soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and an open-concept floorplan born for entertaining. Feast on breathtaking views from multiple balconies, or, on chillier nights, curl up by the fire in the double-height great room. Standout features include stained glass windows, curved staircases, and a huge soaking tub beneath a bay window. There’s also a private in-law suite on the first floor with a dedicated entrance, so bring on the family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Outside, the property includes two additional beach lots, offering a rare chance to own a piece of the coastline.
337 Cranberry Dr, Long Beach $5,495,000 / Benee Scola Benee Scola & Company / beneescola.com Cradling the lagoon with 100-feet of water frontage, this swanky showpiece is brimming with designer finishes, from Italian Calcutta marble to wide-plank oak floors. Though it’s a brand-new build, there are thoughtfully curated throwback details, too, including a real wood-burning fireplace and exposed wooden beams. The ultra-private master suite was mod eled after a five-star resort, boasting an expansive en-suite with a steam shower, luxurious soaking tub, and grooming station, plus an outdoor shower off the balcony. Outdoor features span a heated in-ground pool with waterfall, gas fire pit, travertine tile patio, and a top-floor roof deck with lighthouse views.
BELL WORKS AT COMMVAULT
Tinton Falls at Fort Monmouth / inspiredsd.com
It’s been six years since Inspired by Somerset Development’s sweeping reinvention of the historic Bell Labs campus in Holmdel opened to the public as a vibrant “Metroburb,” a staggering 2 million square-foot mega-complex with offices, retail stores, restaurants, wellness centers, and more. Now, the Bell Works lifestyle is expanding to Fort Monmouth with the recent acquisition of the Commvault headquarters in Tinton Falls. Like its Holmdel counterpart, the 276,900-square-foot corporate complex will be injected with new life, with plans for local restaurants, a Bell Market, a coffee shop, retail spaces, and a health/fitness club to enter the fold.