In Jersey City’s crowded and competitive apartment market, one contemporary rental building has quickly distinguished itself as an idyllic “urban oasis.” AVIVA, the only residential community directly adjacent to the 1,200-acre Liberty State Park, provides an elevated level of luxury and comfort in a location tucked away from the noise and congestion of busier downtown neighborhoods or Journal Square.
Developed by Alpine Residential at 189 Phillip Street, the eye-catching property features a modern offering of 500 upscale rental homes, a complete package of five-star amenities and a peaceful environment that’s greatly enhanced by a proximity to one of New Jersey’s true natural treasures.
Since its debut, AVIVA has displayed tremendous appeal to discerning renters looking for an alternative to a standard urban rental building and a redefined sense of quiet luxury. Edwin Williford is one of many attracted to the opportunity to trade in the crowds and concrete connected with most Jersey City residential centers for the space and abundant greenery of AVIVA.
“After two years in my old apartment, I wanted a building that provided an environment, not just a unit,” Edwin says. “Green space and quiet were huge for me. I wanted to be near Liberty State Park and have amenities that could support a work-from-home lifestyle – like a business-style lounge or meeting space, a great gym, outdoor areas. I also wanted the building itself to feel clean, professional, and well-managed.”
Edwin, who was living locally in Jersey City, began a search for a home that could provide a more relaxing environment, but also featured all the accompaniments of a modern rental. Edwin toured four other Jersey City buildings, but all followed the same generic formula.
“The gyms were just regular, basic setups — nothing like what AVIVA offers” Edwin said. “Security was just a standard uniformed guard. Several didn’t even have a pool, and the ones that did felt more like a small “kiddie” pool than a real amenity. None of them had the landscaping, greenery, or views.”
Designed by GRT Architects and Ismael Leyva Architects, AVIVA is comprised of two distinct 12-story buildings connected by a one-story lobby base.
“I watched AVIVA get built,” Edwin recalled. “I lived nearby and would hop on my scooter and ride over to Liberty State Park for my daily breather. Every time I passed by, I’d see this building slowly going up. I didn’t even realize it was residential at first — the more it took shape, the more I fell in love with it, especially once I found out it faced Liberty State Park directly.”
AVIVA features a dynamic mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences and a well-designed amenity package that includes social features like multiple lounges and a game room and professional focused areas including co-working spaces with private offices and conference room.
“I work from home full-time, so I really wanted a space that gave me an actual separation between “home” and “office” — somewhere with the amenities and environment to make work-from-home life feel less isolating and more like a true corporate setting when I needed it,” Edwin said. “Having access to the upstairs offices has been a gamechanger. I take the elevator up and there’s literally a whole floor set up for residents — four private office rooms, each with its own desk and desk lamp, plus an outer lounge area where you can sit before heading in, and then the executive meeting room with a monitor for when I need to host colleagues. It genuinely gives me a corporate environment without ever leaving the building.”
Other curated amenities enjoyed by residents at AVIVA include a rooftop pool and lounge, grilling stations, landscaped gardens and a signature water garden atop the lobby that offers sweeping views of New York Harbor. Inside, there’s a sky lounge with demonstration kitchen, a fitness center with HIIT studio, co-working spaces with private offices and conference room, playroom and pet salon. Additional conveniences include 24-hour concierge service, bike and storage facilities, and on-site garage parking with EV charging stations.
“There’s so much to walk around and enjoy — the rooftop with the pool is its own beautiful section, then I’ll wander the garden, hit the gym when I want that Equinox feeling with the music pumping, or just sit up front in the chairs and take in the greenery view of Liberty State Park,” Edwin said. “Between the real pool, the two rooftops – which are perfect for hosting guests or a barbecue, the game room, and the gym, it gives me an elevated, boutique-hotel feeling every day. The water garden with the small waterfall and walking bridge is probably my favorite part. I walk my dog over it most mornings just to get some sunlight and quiet.”
Edwin rented a one-bedroom home at AVIVA, where residences are distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship and contemporary finishes. Luxury plank flooring, kitchens with quartz countertops, soft-close cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, and in-home washers and dryers come standard in every home. Oversized windows capture views of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and Liberty State Park. Select homes feature private balconies or terraces.
Edwin commented: “The layout and the windows — spacious rooms with big windows that give you real views instead of just staring into another building. I also love that the balcony railings are all glass instead of the standard bar railings, so nothing blocks the view — it makes it feel like a true getaway when you’re taking in the greenery, the skyline, and the Manhattan buildings all at once.”
Since arriving at AVIVA a few months ago, Edwin has taken full advantage of its immediate access to Liberty State Park, which boasts a two-mile promenade, open green space, recreational trails, an outdoor performance area and ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Located on the eastern edge of Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood, AVIVA is also near some of the area’s most dynamic new dining destinations, including The Roxy, Eggs Up, Mochi Dough and more, as well as neighborhood pubs, nightlife and shopping. In addition to nearby Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service, residents will also enjoy a dedicated shuttle to the Grove Street PATH Station, providing convenient access to Manhattan.
Edwin points out: “Being right across from Liberty State Park means I get green space and quiet instead of the “brick on brick” feel that so much of Jersey City has become as it’s developed. And for my husband, the location is perfect for his commute — there’s an exclusive shuttle right from the building that takes him to the PATH train, and just a few minutes after getting off at 33rd Street, he’s basically at his office in Manhattan. He gets to make his coffee, relax, and just ride in instead of dealing with a stressful commute.
“On weekends we love walking down the street to the cafés and restaurants nearby, like Roxy and Harry’s Daughter, and I love being able to hop on my bike and ride right across the street into Liberty State Park. It really feels like an escape from city life while still being minutes from everything — that’s what sold me on AVIVA, especially after seeing what the other buildings in the area had to offer. It already feels like home.”
Homes at AVIVA are available at net-effective pricing starting from the $2,300s and with incentives of up to two months free on 13-22 month lease terms and up to four months free on lease terms of 23-26 months.
South Oxford Management, Alpine’s affiliated management company, will direct the leasing and management of AVIVA. For more information, visit www.AvivaJC.com or contact the leasing center at 551-290-5220.
