Construction Management
The Construction Management Department oversees all building projects being done under the auspices of the JCEDC, including streetscapes, blockfront renovations, individual building facade refurbishing, the mural program and the rehabilitation of Loew's Jersey Theatre. The Martin Luther King (MLK) Drive Hub project, a joint venture partnership between the JCEDC and the MLK Neighborhood Development Corporation (NDC), though a construction project, is being overseen by the partnership, with the JCEDC acting as coordinator.

Through the JCEDC and in conjunction with the City, commercial districts can receive funds for improving the areas between the building line and the curb. A major streetscape project was completed on Central Avenue, stretching 21 blocks on both sides of the street and encompassing more than 200 stores. Improvements included new sidewalks, decorative lighting, plantings and benches. Right now, a large-scale streetscape renovation in Journal Square is under way. This is a joint financial effort among the City, the Port Authority, the Urban Enterprise Zone and the State, who have committed over $6 million to this project. In addition, many agreements have been put into place between the City, County, State and local merchants to insure this project's success. All of this is being done under the leadership of the JCEDC with the assistance of a local construction management firm.

A Small Section Of The Columbus Drive Mural, Just West Of The Grove Street PATH Subway Station

Jersey City Mural Project
Pro Arts Jersey City, a non-profit group of artists, was selected to execute a blocklong mural on Christopher Columbus Drive. This project was conceived by the JCEDC, in conjunction with local artists, to help support other JCEDC projects in the area. The painting will cover about 15,000 square feet, extending some 350 feet in width and up to 60 feet high. The mural will be the largest on the Eastern Seaboard. It is being funded by state UEZ funds, a JCEDC grant and money raised privately by Pro Arts.

The comprehensive blockfront facade improvement program instantaneously gives a commercial neighborhood a new look. It encourages merchants in the area to upgrade the rest of their buildings and makes the district attractive for new businesses to move in.

Several projects are currently under way, including Central Avenue, Newark Avenue, West Side Avenue, MLK Drive, and McGinley Square. Two projects have been completed on Monticello Avenue, and projects are planned during the upcoming year for Old Bergen Road, Danforth Avenue, Kennedy Boulevard and Five Corners.

The Beautiful Interior Of The Loew's Theatre
Streetscapes

  • Central Avenue

  • Journal square

Blockfronts

  • Central Avenue

  • Newark, Avenue

  • West Side Avenue

  • McGinley Square

  • MLK Drive

  • Monticello Avenue

Facades

  • Projects underway citywide

Martin Luther King Drive Hub Project

  • Supermarket

  • Retail Space

  • Post Office

  • Firehouse

  • Gospel Temple

  • Virginia Gardens

Murals Program

  • Christopher Columbus Drive

  • Others planned citywide

Loew's Jersey Theatre

  • Exterior repairs

  • Interior Renovations

Loew's Jersey Theatre Renovation
Jersey City contracted with the JCEDC to oversee work on Loew's Jersey Theatre in Journal Square, which is undergoing a $5 million renovation and restoration in cooperation with the City, the New Jersey Historic Trust and Friends of Loew's, a private community group, with additional funding provided by the state UEZ Authority. Work on the classic 1920s movie palace has been accomplished through a unique mix of professional contractors and volunteers. The theater's projection booth has been completely restored. The stage rigging has been overhauled and work has begun on reupholstering all 3,000 seats in the auditorium. The next major project will be restoring the theater's ornate exterior, including its famous clock.

The building's grand lobby was the site of a kickoff event for the theater's fund raising efforts, hosted by Nick Clooney, star of American Movie Classics, and Friends of Loew's Advisory Chairman Thomas J. Stanton, Jr.. The audience also received a videotape greeting from film critic Leonard Maltin, another Advisory board member. The Garden State Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society placed on permanent loan to the Loew's an exact duplicate of the massive pipe organ that was originally installed in the theater. The Loew's has also proved a popular location for producers of film and TV productions. When completed, the reopened Loew's will be a major arts and entertainment center in the metropolitan area featuring both live performances and classic film.

Martin Luther King Drive
The unique Joint Venture Partnership of the JCEDC and the MLK Neighborhood Development Corporation (NDC), is undertaking the redevelopment of MLK Drive with $9.8 million in federally and city-backed loans to help fund the development of the Hub Shopping Plaza. This 18-acre retail center will be anchored by a 50,000 sq. ft. Citimarkets supermarket and will feature a new post office, a new firehouse and a credit union.

The JCEDC's marketing and communications materials continue to win accolades in award competitions. The JCEDC helps local merchants to secure financing to help create or expand a business. The Real Estate Department helps businesses looking to move. The UEZ program, administered by the JCEDC, promotes development in designated areas of the City.

For More Information Call:
201-333-7797
Fax: 201-333-9323
E-mail: info@jcedc.org

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