The long-awaited transformation of one of Downtown Jersey City’s most familiar corners is finally underway. The site at 165 Newark Avenue, known for more than a decade as the home of Barcade, now sits fenced off and ready for a dramatic redevelopment.
After years of waiting, planning extensions, and shifting construction plans, the project’s finally moving forward. Big changes are coming—new residential units, fresh commercial spots, and modern architecture will soon reshape one of the city’s busiest pedestrian corridors.
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A New Chapter for 165 Newark Avenue
**LWDMR Architects** designed the project, and developer **Molfetta** is leading the charge. The work will happen in two phases.
Once finished, the old three-story building will give way to modern mixed-use structures that still keep some historic touches. They’re aiming for a blend of preservation and progress—hoping to keep Newark Avenue’s spirit alive, while opening the door to new opportunities for residents, retailers, and visitors.
What’s Included in the Redevelopment?
The plans are bold. In the first phase, a six-story main building with a penthouse will rise, and a ground-floor commercial mezzanine will offer space for restaurants, shops, or maybe even creative offices.
The second phase will bring an additional five-story building. Here’s what’s coming:
- 51 new residential units
- 11,967 square feet of commercial space
- Preserved portions of the Newark Avenue façade and northern Barrow Street frontage
Most of the existing building will be demolished for the new structures. Still, the design team wants to reconstruct and rehabilitate the original masonry to keep the street’s unique character intact.
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From Barcade to a New Vision
For a lot of Jersey City locals, Barcade was more than just a bar—it was a landmark. The developers initially hoped Barcade could stay open during construction, but as plans shifted, they realized the building needed to be fully vacated.
The closure last June ended an era. But it also cleared the way for a fresh start on this central block.
Neighborhood Changes and Nearby Projects
The area around 165 Newark Avenue buzzes with development. Sites at 155 and 157 Newark Avenue are under construction, and the Barrow Residences across Columbus Drive are also rising.
This stretch of Newark Avenue—already a hotspot for pedestrians, dining, and nightlife—looks set for a real transformation in the coming years.
Impact on Downtown and the City at Large
This redevelopment means more than just new buildings. It’s part of a broader wave of investment that’s reshaping **city districts** across Jersey City.
These projects bring much-needed housing and fresh commercial spaces, which could attract innovative businesses and expand the city’s cultural scene.
What This Means for Residents and Visitors
As the streetscape shifts, the experience of living in or visiting Downtown will change too. For travelers, the new mix of housing, shopping, and dining will add to the neighborhood’s appeal.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Jersey City, the upcoming residential and short-term rental options might give you some new choices—right alongside established favorites like the well-loved Jersey City hotels.
Tying It Back to the Community
Jersey City’s always changing, but this project shows that development can actually honor tradition while still looking ahead. Residents are about to have a front-row seat to the transformation.
Visitors, too, will find one more reason to check out the area. You can wander Newark Avenue’s eclectic dining spots or dive into the nightlife.
Once the project wraps up, new retail concepts will pop up, adding even more things to do in Jersey City. Honestly, you might have trouble picking where to start.
Now, if you’re thinking about getting to Jersey City, you’ll find transit access is a breeze. PATH trains, ferries, and bus routes make Downtown just minutes from Manhattan.
Whether you live here or just visit for the day, the revival of 165 Newark Avenue feels like it’s about to become a pretty exciting chapter in the city’s story. Who knows what’s next?
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Here is the source article for this story: Years After Approval, Barcade Property in Jersey City Set for Redevelopment
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