Tower plans nixed at Union Dry Dock
20
October
10/20/2009 Update:
High Rise Plan withdrawn
FYI – Larry Bijou, the managing partner of Bijou Properties has withdrawn their request to build this proposed development at the Union Dry Dock facility. Contributing to the decision was the “concern expressed by the community.”
In other words, thank you Hoboken411 readers for putting the Kibosh on yet another waterfront eye sore!
SEE ORIGINAL STORY FROM LAST MONTH AFTER THE JUMP…
9/24/2009:
Application filed for four 12-story riverfront towers
Just when you thought there was no more riverfront property to develop in Hoboken…
Developer Larry Bijou and his partners have filed an application to request the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment grant a boatload of variances to build four 12-story towers on the site of Union Dry Dock (which ironically just received a lot of economic stimulus from the State – Hmmm)
Located southwest of Maxwell Place and Elysian Park on Sinatra Drive, this site is the last vestige of Hoboken’s working waterfront. The application seeks permission to build four residential towers with 148 apartments, a 192 space parking garage and 9,859 square feet of retail/commercial space. The plan includes a “Maritime Museum” space for an unspecified curator.
Big variances required for use and height
According to the Hoboken Zoning Code, the zone the Union Dry Dock property is in only allows Educational, Public Recreation, or Marine Facility uses. Bijou is asking for a use variance to allow a mixed-use development. Buildings in this zone are only allowed to rise as high as 35 feet, or 2.5 stories. Bijou wants variances to build 137 feet to the top of the elevator core, or 12 stories.
Bijou rejects the Marchetto-ization of Hoboken
The design of the towers by edgy NYC firm shop Architects includes a unique-to-Hoboken cantilevered effect to maximize the number of units. Bijou’s last project was the well-received Garden Street Lofts, and he’s known for building truly Green Leed-Certified projects. Bijou has a lot of good faith in town, but he’s clearly testing the limits with this plan. He most recently received variances to build a brand new high-rise where Park-on-Park is now located between 14th and 15th streets. The 1415 Park project was approved with the stipulation it will include space for a Charter School, but the waiting continues.
The “Hoboken Dry Docks” plan was filed a few weeks ago with the Zoning Board. There is a big backup of applications, so no word yet on when a hearing on this proposal will be held.
What do you think? Will the ship come in for this 4-tower proposal or will it sink before it makes port?
Check out the plans and comment below for the biggest internet audience in Hoboken to see.
October 20th 2009 - 11:49:17 |
The Ship Yard that is currently there is an absolute waste of space and a complete eye sore. The Bijou building looks amazing! Hoboken needs amazing green projects such as this. Look at architecture in Vancouver and other cities located on water. The Marchetto architecture is cookie cutter crap. I fully support this building, but I would like to see a restaurant and additional retail.
In response to homeworld who said:
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October 20th 2009 - 13:36:47 |
Wow! Good for Bijou for pulling this plan. Kudos as well to Hoboken411 for spreading the news about this in the first place. The sooner these plans are revealed to the public the more organized the opposition can be. This is what I wrote a month ago:
Personally I’m very surprised Bijou is pitching this large of a project. I guess he didn’t get the message on the change in the public will lately. Seems more like an opening salvo and a place to negotiate down from.
My biggest beef with the design is the huge, five-story tall uninterrupted wall of building blocking the view of the waterfront at the base which runs the length of the site. Horrid idea.
I guess he’s gotten the message now. Hopefully Bijou comes up with a better plan that the community can support. He’s done good work in the past.
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October 20th 2009 - 13:39:30 |
This part was from my earlier comment as well, and should have been italicized. I guess that’s what happens when you take some time off from posting. Rust sets in.
My biggest beef with the design is the huge, five-story tall uninterrupted wall of building blocking the view of the waterfront at the base which runs the length of the site. Horrid idea.
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October 21st 2009 - 21:38:47 |
I guess the city should buy the property with money it doesnt have, build a park with money it doesnt have, run and maintain the park with money ………. well you get the idea
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October 26th 2009 - 13:22:13 |
Who wrote this article for 411 ? The realtors from Hudson Place who are selling The Garden Street Lofts? To characterize Bijous’ last project ,The Garden Street Lofts, as being “well received” is ridiculous. It has taken over three years to sell the overpriced condos in this relatively small building and there are still some remaining.
In response to hobolivin44 who said:
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