Here in the Hoboken area, an ambitious project has been proposed to the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. It would entail a Bowling Alley, a climbing gym, and other commercial/retail space on the ground floor, with office space above. On top of that would go ten stories of residential space.
South of the 14th Street Viaduct, between Madison and Jefferson Streets, is a building that would be remodeled and then expanded to fit the project. The builders, Marl Villamar and Hany Ahmed, have visions of a multi-use property which would have a competitive edge on properties with only residential or only commercial uses.
The builders think that it is a good idea to use as much of the standing structure as possible, because it will show they are trying to revitalize the neighborhood. It would require several “variances”, or permission to build outside the area’s zoning laws, because the area is now zoned just for industrial use. They are optimistic that they will gain support for the project, because Mayor Dawn Zimmer has spoken in favor of such mixed-use projects.
Villamar and Ahmed plan to make this a “green” project which would be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. It would contain a “regeneration grid” which will divert any power unused by tenants to power emergency service buildings if there is a power outage. Besides that there would be several storm water detention and retention containers. This would cut down on rain running off into the neighborhood.
Any project which requires a variance like this is sure to spark lots of pro and con debates. Watch the local papers for the where and when of any hearings scheduled and let your voice be heard.
What are your thoughts on a mixed use building of this sort?
Edward