At Manhattan’s doorstep, North Jersey’s Gold Coast continues its urban evolution as the first of its five hotel-inspired high-rises nears completion at Port Imperial

by Laura D.C. Kolnoski

A comprehensive development like no other, Port Imperial along the Hudson River continues rising as new residents clamor to be part of a whole new thing. A community in itself, the $2 billion development stretches over two miles along the waterfront. It is rapidly transforming the area with soaring residences, shops, restaurants, parks, playgrounds, and a waterfront promenade. Access to a convenient intermodal transportation system, anchored by the Port Imperial Ferry terminal—with service to midtown and downtown Manhattan—is a major draw.

A pantheon of notable developers had a hand in this futuristic complex, projected for completion within five years.

At the heart of it all, the Lennar Corporation is responsible for The Avenue Collection—five ultra-luxury condominium buildings comprising 669 total units. The residences are located on a prime waterfront site in Weehawken facing midtown Manhattan, where tenants enjoy skyline views from every room. Opened in July 2014, the first building, the seven-story, 74-unit boutique 1000 Avenue at Port Imperial, is nearing 75 percent occupancy. Four new designer model residences were unveiled recently, showcasing the highrise’s upscale living spaces. A fifth model is expected soon.

Units offer a variety of floor plans, including a three-bedroom, threebath residence with a spacious outdoor balcony and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, to two-bedroom homes offering northwest vistas, then a one-bedroom duplex with a den and private street entrance. The three-bedroom model was designed by renowned Connecticut interior design firm Linda Ruderman Interiors, while the one- and two-bedroom models were merchandized by Tui Pranich of Tui Lifestyle. Based in Manhattan and Miami, the designer is known for creating turnkey, thoughtfully-styled, fully-decorated room settings replete with luxury furniture solutions, decorative accessories, and lifestyle amenities.

“The designer collaboration on these new model homes has delivered a modern style and elegance that is very much in line with our target audience and will undoubtedly resonate with new buyers,” said Craig Klingensmith, division president of Lennar Northeast. Designer finishes and appointments throughout the residences include Brazilian Chestnut hardwood floors in main living areas and gourmet kitchens with a GE Monogram Appliance Suite including Pro Style Range, Avantium oven with SpeedCook Technology, direct vented Avantium hood to outside air exhaust, and an Energy Star®-rated refrigerator and dishwasher. Some kitchens also feature under-counter wine coolers, Spazzi European cabinetry, DalTile marble kitchen floors, marble backsplash, and granite countertops.

Bathrooms feature dual vanity Kohler sinks and faucets with limestone countertops, full height vanity mirrors with wood frame surround, Robern medicine cabinets, Duravit soaking tubs, custom designed marble tile throughout, glass shower and water closet doors, and Spazzi cabinets. “Green” rooftop landscaping keeps the building cool in summer and warm in the winter. A two-story lobby lounge with reception and 24-hour concierge service welcome residents and guests. Homes are pre-wired for motorized shades.

Remaining units at 1000 Avenue at Port Imperial include one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 1,472 to 2,188 square-feet; priced from $1.1 million to $2 million. Designed by Handel Architects, LLP of Manhattan, the building is distinguished by its sleek, all-glass façade with metal panel accents. Large windows, private balconies/ terraces, and a third-floor outdoor plaza provide residents with open-air space while maximizing the property’s panoramic views. The building also features an integrated security system and a grand salon/lobby lounge with fireplace.

Residents can also enjoy a social room with a fireplace and views of New York City with a hearth, televisions, gathering areas, a catering kitchen, a state-of-theart fitness center with sauna and steam showers, cardio and strength equipment, a Yoga room, and a conference/boardroom.

On the third-floor, an outdoor plaza features a convenience kitchen, open lawn and planting areas, seating, a fire pit, sundeck, and cooling spray area. An enclosed parking garage affords many homes with two parking spaces. A bicycle Residents have access to two fully-furnished guest suites, designed and decorated like high end hotel rooms, available to guests of homeowners for a fee. Klingensmith said the suites are an extension of the resident homes, allowing for additional space for friends or relatives to stay within the building.

The development is particularly attractive to commuters from New Jersey and Connecticut, and/or those seeking proximity to Big Apple shopping and entertainment.

The Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and George Washington Bridge are just minutes away. The New Jersey Turnpike and Route 3 are easily accessible, as is New Jersey Transit bus service, the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, and Newark International and Teterboro Airports.

Construction is already underway on the second building, 1200 Avenue at Port Imperial, a 103-unit, seven-story building that will feature a landscaped third-floor roof deck with an outdoor pool for residents of both buildings. Completion of that residence is expected by the end of the year.

When completed, the entire development will have about 400,000 square feet of office space and 250,000 square-feet of retail and restaurants, offering synergistic urban living by combining the elements today’s residents desire most.

“Lennar is excited about the redevelopment, as there is simply nothing like this site from Jersey City to Fort Lee,” Klingensmith said. “The access to New York City, the views, the quality of design, and the ease in which to get around ultimately surpasses even Manhattan as a place of residence.

We believe Port imperial is the option for those currently dealing with long and stressful commutes. Once the development is completed, it will define luxury living, with the ultimate access to New York City along the Gold Coast.”

Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Miami, Lennar is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, operating in 19 states. It has delivered over 750,000 single family homes, townhomes, condominiums and rental apartments. storage room is also available.

The Avenue Collection
1000 & 1200 Ave. at Port Imperial, Weehawkin
201.210.0099 / theavenuecollectionnj.com