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.

SEE PREVIOUS UPDATES AFTER THE JUMP…

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.