By Jessica Perry
After topping out at six stories last April, leasing is underway at Halpern Real Estate Ventures’ 337-unit Birch House in Jersey City.
The real estate investment and operating platform announced the milestone for the property at 49 Fisk St. last week.
Birch House offers studios, one- and two-bedroom units. Located in Jersey City’s West Side neighborhood, the building includes an onsite leasing office and professionally decorated model residences by Ash Staging.
According to the team behind it, the property integrates environmentally conscious design and state-of-the-art living.
“We envisioned Birch House as much more than a residential building, but rather a reflection of a community’s desire for a harmonious blend of comfort and eco-conscious living,” commented Joel Halpern, president and managing director of investments for Halpern. “In a neighborhood awakening to its potential, Birch House stands as a beacon of modern design and forward-thinking sustainability.”
Green features are incorporated throughout, such as a composting system that produces fertilizer for Birch House’s landscaping, community garden planters, rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, rainwater collection for irrigation, LED light and low-flow fixtures within residences, and a 20,000-square-foot landscaped park.
Lambertville-based Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners provided design while the Meshberg Group curated interiors and amenities.
A 22,000-square-foot rooftop offers 360-degree views of the Hackensack Waterfront District, downtown Jersey City and in the distance, Manhattan.
Overall, the property features 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities. Those include: private and public coworking spaces; a hotel-like lobby, speakeasy-style bar, fitness center, demonstration kitchen, game room and covered onsite parking with EV charging stations.
West Side rising
Halpern says it targets markets and property sectors in Opportunity Zones located in urban lifestyle cores. In addition to the Northeast, the firm is active in Denver and other high-growth markets poised to benefit from long-term demographic and economic shifts.
In Jersey City’s West Side, the transit-oriented building is among a number of new residences, retail and other enhancements to come to the community. Other notable projects include 3 Acres, which hit lease-up three months after launch.
According to its website, Halpern can scale Birch House with Phase II, which has the potential to create another 150 units.
The area covers several areas on either side of West Side Avenue. It includes the Hackensack River, New Jersey City University and Saint Peter’s University.
The 273-acre Lincoln Park is also nearby, with 21 public tennis courts, three playgrounds, a dog run, nature trails, fields and the Skyway Golf Course.
With proximity to Route 440, 49 Fisk St. will afford residents access to the New Jersey Turnpike and Routes 1 and 9. Additionally, downtown Jersey City and Manhattan are accessible via the Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station that is a less-than-five-minute walk from the property.
‘Modern, mindful lifestyle’
Corcoran Group Marketing serves as exclusive marketing and leasing agent.
“Birch House embodies visionary living, seamlessly blending design with sustainability on Jersey City’s West Side,” commented David Maundrell, executive vice president for Corcoran Group marketing and Corcoran New Development. “With its distinctive aesthetics, significant open space and green features, Birch House promises to resonate with those seeking a modern, mindful lifestyle.”
Since its founding in 2011, Halpern says it has executed 16 investments, with 12 successful realizations and four active investments representing more than $1.5 billion of development value.
Monthly rents at Birch House start at $1,995. Additional information is available here.
