The ability to work-from-home provided Alaa Alam endless possibilities when it came to where to live.  With many of her college friends were living in the northeast, Ms. Alam decided to relocate from her apartment in Chapel Hill, NC to a more centrally located home in northern New Jersey.

“I wanted to live closer to my college friends who are spread across the northeast, from Philadelphia and Allenton, PA to New York City and central and upstate New Jersey,” she said.

Ms. Alam conducted a comprehensive apartment search in the region’s major rental markets, looking at residences in high-end buildings in cities like Newark, Hackensack and Downtown Jersey City.  Most did not meet her needs. “Many were cookie cutter homes with layouts that were not accommodating for guests,” she noted.

Ms. Alam continued to search online, eventually discovering a Zillow listing for Birch House on Jersey City’s West Side.   The design driven six-story building instantly grabbed her attention, spurring her to visit the property.  Developed by Halpern Real Estate Ventures, Birch House features a mix of 337 studios to two-bedroom homes complemented by thoughtful amenities that emphasize nature and green space.

“The building immediately stood out as very appealing and a well-maintained property with modern appliances and clean finishes in the common areas,” Ms. Alam said. “The indoor lobby plants also caught my eye, and I appreciated the ample green spaces that are great for walking.” 

Impressed by much of what she saw, Ms. Alam leased a one-bedroom home at Birch House, where residences offer oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, wide-plank oak floors, chef-quality kitchens with GE appliances, sleek grey quartz countertops, a grey stone-tiled backsplash, white oak and grey cabinetry, and stand-alone kitchen islands. There are also sumptuous baths with porcelain tile floors and wet walls, custom matte black medicine cabinets, and deep soaking bathtubs with handheld shower fixtures.

Monthly rents for studio apartments at Birch House begin from $2,200, one-bedroom residences are priced from $2,405 and two-bedroom homes start at $3,635. Corcoran Group Marketing is conducting the Birch House rental program.

“The homes were spacious with plenty of direct sunlight,” Ms. Alam commented.  “I liked the two-toned colored cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom. It adds character while being versatile for other styles and decorations. I also liked the smart Nest system for the thermostat and the in-unit washer and dryer.”

Ms. Alam was also appreciative of the remarkable 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities which created a dynamic live/work/play environment at Birch House. Residents enjoy private and public co-working spaces for flexible work-from-home models. The inviting hotel-like lobby, leading to the second floor by an interconnected stair, serves as an open and welcoming entrance. Additional amenities include a speakeasy-style bar, demonstration kitchen, game room, and convenient covered onsite parking with EV charging stations available.  There’s also a resident shuttle to the PATH, car sharing program and more.

 “I love the on-site gym which provides a reformer in the fitness area,” Ms. Alam added.   I also like the many areas to work from home in the building. The PATH shuttle is also very appealing.  I work remotely and like to go into New York City to work at coffee shops.”

When venturing outside, residents can enjoy a 20,000 square-foot garden courtyard with extensive landscaping and a 22,000 square-foot rooftop with lounge seating, sunbathing loungers, bar and screening area, community garden, great lawn and BBQ and dining areas, all with 360-degree views of the Hackensack Waterfront District, Downtown Jersey City and Manhattan in the distance. 

Emphasizing sustainability, Birch House incorporates meaningful green features such as a composting system producing fertilizer for the property’s landscaping, community garden planters, rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, rainwater collection for irrigation, and a vast 20,000 square-foot landscaped park. LED light fixtures and low flow fixtures further enhance the eco-friendly aspect within each residence.

Situated at 49 Fisk Street, Birch House is strategically located on Jersey City’s West Side, a neighborhood where significant investment and revitalization efforts are taking root, leading to the creation of a substantial amount of new residences, retail, amenities, greenery, and other community enhancements.

Birch House’s strategic location provides easy access to Route 440, connecting residents to the New Jersey Turnpike and Routes 1 and 9, bringing businesses and popular recreational options in northern New Jersey within easy reach. The Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station, just 5 blocks away, facilitates convenient travel to Downtown Jersey City and Manhattan.

The nearby 273-acre Lincoln Park offers access to diverse recreational facilities, including twenty-one public tennis courts, three playgrounds, a dog run, nature trails, several sports fields, and Skyway Golf Course, a scenic 9-hole layout adorned with colorful fescue, magnificent dunes, and rolling fairways. 

For additional information on Birch House, please visit www.birchhousejc.com or email at birchhouse@corcoran.com.