JERSEY CITY, NJ—Mack-Cali Realty Corp. and Ironstate Development Co. topped out URL Harborside 1 September 29 at 713 feet, making the new multi-family tower on the Jersey City waterfront the tallest residential building in New Jersey.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and city officials joined the development partners and more than 200 tradespeople to celebrate the construction milestone of the 69-story residential tower that will bring 763 contemporary rental residences to Mack-Cali's Harborside in downtown Jersey City.

The approximately $330 million development, the first phase of what will ultimately feature three towers comprising 2,358 residences overlooking the Manhattan skyline, is expected to open for leasing in the fourth quarter of 2016. The ambitious project has created hundreds of jobs in Jersey City, including construction and eventual full-time employment opportunities.

“This is a special project in every way,” says Mayor Fulop. “It will help redefine the entire New Jersey skyline. We couldn't be more proud of the growth of Jersey City.”

URL, which stands for Urban Ready Life, was developed by Ironstate president David Barry to describe an innovative housing solution that maximizes space, reduces energy use, provides close and easy access to public transit, and serves the community with cafés, residential rooftop gardens, and other unique amenities. Designed by acclaimed Dutch architecture firm Concrete, URL Harborside 1 will be a flagship property with a distinctive tower reflective of its waterfront landscape.

“Today's topping out of the first Urban Ready Life tower at Harborside in Jersey City is extremely exciting for us,” says Barry. “It is symbolic of Jersey City's vibrancy, growth and importance in this state. When completed, it will capture the spirit of the Jersey City waterfront in a way that hasn't been done before. Similar to what Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson created with the Seagrams building in Manhattan, Urban Ready Life at Harborside will be a special building for a variety of reasons and a timeless milestone in the trajectory of Jersey city. We're delighted to work alongside our partner, Mack-Cali, who believed in this vision from day one, and appreciate the steadfast support of Mayor Fulop, the City Council, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority who have been invaluable to this effort.”

“With our partner Ironstate, URL Harborside will be part of our transformed waterfront – where we're creating a true live, work, play neighborhood with amazing views of Manhattan,” says Michael DeMarco, president of Mack-Cali.“This project is a key part of a series of developments transforming Mack-Cali into a premier urban waterfront and transit-based office and luxury multi-family owner.”

The URL project is being built on a vacant parcel located within Mack-Cali's Harborside mixed-use complex. The project will provide a new east-west connection of Bay Street within Harborside and add public spaces and retail vibrancy to the neighborhood. The location provides unparalleled easy access to public transportation via the Exchange Place PATH station, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and nearby ferry.

Instant Insights /

Largest Residential Building in NJ Gets Topped Out

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