The Award-Winning Criterion and Hague Buildings Complete the Restoration of Six Art Deco Properties That Have Been Transformed into a Vibrant Urban Residential Destination
JERSEY CITY, NJ – The New Jersey Historic Preservation Office presented Building and Land Technology (BLT) with Historic Preservation Awards for its successful restoration of two 20th century Art Deco buildings in Jersey City which have been transformed into luxury multifamily apartments. The recently completed Criterion and Hague apartment buildings, which are located within The Beacon apartment complex, were both recognized during the State’s 26th annual New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards ceremony. The awards honor projects, groups and individuals dedicated to preserving the State’s architectural, archaeological, and cultural history.
The completion of these two properties fulfills BLT’s ambitious effort to thoroughly restore a collection of iconic architectural gems and transform them into a vibrant, urban residential community. Listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, The Beacon’s architecturally-significant buildings have been repurposed as a modern living experience which today is home to more than 2,000 residents, 1,155 apartments, and an incomparable scope of amenities.
“These buildings were an important part of the fabric of Jersey City dating back to the early 1900’s, and we could not be prouder to have achieved our vision of reawakening them as an inspired 21st century use that is full of resident activity and once again an asset to Jersey City,” said Mitch Bodner, Managing Director of BLT. “Our team of specialists was resolutely focused on preserving the unique charm, character and grandeur of the historic spaces while blending them with newly-created, modern apartments and amenities. It’s been a rewarding experience to be part of such an important and transformational endeavor.”
The Criterion and Hague buildings contain 241 and 271 apartments respectively, and join the full Beacon collection whose ornate buildings have all been masterfully restored to recapture the dramatic architectural details and historic grandeur of their Art Deco-era origins.
Each building within The Beacon offers its own distinctive character and ambiance, an inherent benefit stemming from adaptive reuse. Paramount – a 2015 winner of the New Jersey Historic Preservation Award – soars 23 stories and features some of the most dramatic spaces and distinctive architectural elements found within the residential collection. Its voluminous two-story lobby – with 12 marble columns and a grand stairwell of white and gray marble that leads to a spacious marble-trimmed mezzanine – has been featured in several movies including The Imposters and Quiz Show. Tower, a 15-story, 128-unit building, is pet free and smoke free and includes a landscaped Zen Garden with fire pit, game room, and a 15th-floor Sky Lounge in its amenity offering.
Found throughout the buildings are 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness centers, Art Deco theatres with oversized screens, children’s playrooms, resident lounges, WiFi in common areas and landscaped courtyards. Residents also engage in Yoga classes, Spin classes, frequent events and assorted food truck festivals – all while enjoying majestic views in every direction including Liberty State Park, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan’s iconic skyline. Additional community amenities include on-site garage parking, 24-hour Community Concierge, and Smart Key controlled access.
Taking advantage of The Beacon’s location on one of the highest points in Jersey City, the community’s private Overlook Park offers a 45,000 square-foot, landscaped oasis with seating areas, fire tables and grills set against the panoramic backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor. There’s also a two-acre park with children’s playground, organic garden and expansive dog runs. These substantial recreation areas make The Beacon one of the greenest urban residential communities in the region.
Bridging the gap between historic charm and modern comfort, The Beacon’s newly-created rental residences are contemporary and chic. Studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments with unique floor plans feature high ceilings and gourmet chef’s kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and garbage disposals. Elegant baths are adorned with cultured marble vanity tops, tile floors and glass shower doors. Each residence also offers central heating and air conditioning and individual washers and dryers. The homes are bathed in natural light and offer outstanding views. The apartments are priced from $1,595 a month, with immediate occupancy available.
Beacon residents also enjoy complimentary high-frequency shuttle service to the Grove Street and Exchange Place PATH/Ferry Stations, and proximity to Jersey City’s vibrant downtown district which includes numerous restaurants, cafes, coffee houses and cultural attractions. In addition, the new Citi Bike Jersey City bike sharing program includes a station at The Beacon.
For more information on The Beacon, please call (877) 640-4945, or visit The Beacon’s website at www.thebeaconjc.com. The community’s Leasing Center is located at 126 Clifton Place (GPS – 20 Beacon Way), Jersey City, NJ 07304.
jerseycityfyi 