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Weekend stroll: Downtown Jersey City, where rapid development and strong preservation coexist

Broadcast United News Desk
Weekend stroll: Downtown Jersey City, where rapid development and strong preservation coexist

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Historical Residence
One of the most stately homes on Jersey Avenue. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

Long-time readers of Jersey Digs may remember our photojournalism series from a decade ago, titled Weekend walks Documenting our walks through various neighborhoods in Jersey City. To say that Hudson County’s largest city has changed a bit since then would be an understatement, as massive development has drastically altered the streetscape.

symbol
Welcome sign and subtle message. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

However, some neighborhoods have retained their original beauty and have undergone quite a few renovations during this time. One spot that is sure to become a historic preservation hotspot in the coming years is Harsimus Cove, a downtown neighborhood that has a little bit of everything.

Alley
Cobblestones and alleys. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

The neighborhood stretches from Sixth Street south to Columbus Avenue and is rich in history with its many brownstones and townhouses, as well as several beautifully restored homes. One of the features of Hasims Bay, and one that is unique to Jersey City, is the formal alleys that run throughout the area.

Porto
Colorful doors in Porto. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

The commercial district along Grove Street and Newark Avenue has attracted a lot of attention and Instagram posts, none more so than Pedestrian Plaza. This journey has gone through climax Attracting new restaurants and Low Points The block has seen rising vacancy rates in recent years, and another block on Barrow Street was recently closed to vehicles because of a planned playground.

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The dichotomy of a pedestrian plaza. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
Dora
Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
Lucky 7
Lucky 7, a neighborhood staple. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

Since New Jersey voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2020, a number of marijuana businesses have emerged in recent years. Cream Pharmacy, groundand Garden Greening All are within walking distance of each other in Harsimus Cove, making it the “greenest” neighborhood in Jersey City.

cream
This is a view not seen before when the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza first opened in 2015. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
Potted murals
Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
Grove Street
A sign of the times. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

Construction is still common in Harsimus Cove as far as new developments go. Some ongoing projects will have unfortunate consequences, like this one First Streetwhich will eventually obscure the mural when completed.

First Street
Grab it before it’s gone. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
embankment
The Sixth Street Digs hopes to one day become an elevated green space in Jersey City. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

One of the biggest conservation struggles going on in Hasimus Bay is Sixth Street Embankmenta former elevated rail line that has been abandoned for more than two decades. For years, Jersey City has tried to open the space to the public through park redevelopment plans, but has yet to see results.

Embankment Alley
Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

Another notable historic building that stands on Jersey Avenue is the North Baptist Church, which dates back to 1886. Revitalization The building appeared three years ago, but boarded-up windows and scaffolding still cover the neglected structure.

church
Northern Baptists long for rebirth. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

The neighborhood has had some notable successes with large-scale preservation projects, particularly in the neighboring Kinetic Arts District. 151 Bay The transformation of the site of the former Manischewitz matzah factory and Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company annex into a high-rise building, including a 550-seat community theater, on a restored cobblestone street is scheduled to open later this year.

151 Bay
A 550-seat theater is about to open in a former warehouse. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

Just a few doors away, the soon-to-be-opened Art and Power Building Construction is expected to be completed in the coming months. The project will expand and connect two former warehouses to create a single building with a large Dining room and businesses that have signed on to occupy the building.

Kinetic Art
Art and power station construction. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
Power Station
Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Generating Station. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

Then there’s the Powerhouse itself, which remains vacant in the heart of the community. get In 2018, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey start A much needed new substation is being constructed.

Power Station 2
The future is unknown. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

Despite the progress, officials acknowledge the power station may be unusable in the future as weather and decay have taken their toll on the century-old building.

Creative Center
The future Washington Creative Center. Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

There’s better conservation news across the street, as Jersey City’s $2 million Washington Creative Center A new workspace and rehearsal venue for a local nonprofit is being created in a historic building that’s expected to open later this year.

stop
Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
abandoned
Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.
resident
Photo by Chris Fry/Jersey Digs.

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