1/12/2009 Update:

Rumor Mill: More parks at Maxwell Place?

You remember how “ground breaking” was supposed to begin in September of 2008 for the next phase of construction over at Maxwell Place?

Well, rumor on the street is - that Toll Brothers is suffering so bad - that they may convert the two spots destined to be more condos - into public park space. Grass, and even a dog run is what the murmur is…

The bad thing about it is that it may only be “temporary” (i.e., 3-5 years) and when the market picks back up again - may get “taken away” to pave way for the completion of the project.

I can imagine that being a bit of a quagmire for Toll - as if you get area residents comfortable with the new park - then take it away, could cause an outrage and fierce public resistance. If this rumor is indeed true like I think it is - it’s a can of worms waiting to explode!

See older construction updates after the jump…

10/9/2008 Update:

A Hoboken411 reader sent me an email saying Toll Brothers recently presented a new plan to the Planning Board for the southwest block at the corner of Hudson and Sinatra identified as 1000 Maxwell Place. Toll is now asking for 13 stories on this lot, with a stepdown to 7 stories on the southeast portion of the building.

Toll is trying to put a 13th story on the building within the northern waterfront PUD zoning designed to allow only 12 stories. They’ll do it by making the ceilings lower on each floor to keep the building height within the allowable zoning envelope. 1000 Maxwell renderings and map below:

Also, construction for the next phase hasn’t started yet - but they have begun pile driving the additional waterfront park/pier space.

8/27/2008:

Hoboken411 had a chance to speak with a construction worker at the Maxwell Place site yesterday.

Construction to begin in September

While 1125 Maxwell Place is nearing completion, (and four tenants finally moved in recently), get ready for more noise and construction action for the next phase. The western lot is being prepped for 1100 Maxwell Place. You know the sound of all-day pile driving? Residents Hudson Street should get their ear-plugs ready if they want to remain at home during the day.

1100 Maxwell Place has a slightly different format from 1125. Whereas 1125 has 12-story towers on both the north and south ends, 1100 will be six-story height, with the exception of the south tower, which will be 12 stories. Whoo hoo!

The construction worker said that 1125 was a year behind schedule, and many owners who bought for purpose of “flipping” their condos are suing (or will sue) the developer for false representation.

When asked about the size of the units at 1125, he said that it seemed as if Toll Brothers tried to cram as many as possible, and that the only units that had a respectable size were the corner units. “Some of the studio units I couldn’t believe were even apartments. Incredibly small,” he added. Also, while the floors are concrete, the interior walls between units are two pieces of sheet rock, and the hallways are three pieces (for fire safety compliance).

As far as that new street that opened recently? Well it may not be all that good for driving, since the western bound exit at 11th Street won’t open until the construction at 1100 is complete. Driving through now may be pointless, as you can only exit on Sinatra Drive, and have to make a right turn only. The path, however, is great for joggers and pedestrians.

That final phase of the waterfront park probably won’t be complete until at least summer 2009, possibly longer.

Tags: Hoboken, maxwell place, park space, Real Estate, Real Estate News, Toll Brothers