Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - 2026-02-09
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for a roof deck at 319 Varick Street in the Van Vorst Park Historic District (unanimous 9-0), and approved the adaptive reuse of the former North Baptist Church at 598 Jersey Avenue into a 14-unit residential building (unanimous 9-0 with conditions). The commission also recommended denial of demolition applications for 130 Central Avenue (a 1959 Musicians Union building) and 37 Emory Street (an 1870 colonial revival home in Bergen Hill Historic District), both by unanimous 9-0 votes.
Key Decisions (4)
Roof Deck at 319 Varick Street
Certificate of appropriateness approved for construction of a roof deck and bulkhead at 319 Varick Street, Unit 2, an altered contributing Italianate row house circa 1870 in the Van Vorst Park Historic District. The deck will be 22'9" x 14'8" with ipe wooden deck, black metal guardrail cable rail, and stucco-clad bulkhead. Not visible from public right-of-way. Applicant: Jeff Jordan, RA on behalf of owner Zane Khosrow.
Adaptive Reuse of North Baptist Church at 598 Jersey Avenue
Certificate of appropriateness approved for subdivision and adaptive reuse of former North Baptist Church (dedicated 1887, partially destroyed by fire 1978) into 14-unit residential building. Project integrates character-defining features including extant west facade tower and partial south facade with new contemporary construction. Developer: JCH Development, represented by Connell Foley law firm. Architect: Pereira Architects.
Demolition Denial for 130 Central Avenue
Commission recommended denial of demolition application for the 1959 Musicians Building at 130 Central Avenue (corner of Waverly Street), a vernacular modern/streamlined modern style building constructed as union hall for American Federation of Musicians. One of very few mid-century commercial buildings in Jersey City with design integrity. Building retains integrity of location, design, setting, feeling, and association.
Demolition Denial for 37 Emory Street
Commission recommended denial of demolition application for circa 1870 colonial revival style home at 37 Emory Street in Bergen Hill Historic District. Building was home of William Drayton, founder of town of Van Vorst in 1841 and prominent Jersey City merchant. Retains integrity of location, design, setting, feeling, and association despite minor alterations including porch removal and dormer changes.
Development Activity (2)
North Baptist Church Adaptive Reuse
14-unit residential building incorporating extant west facade tower and partial south facade of 1887 church. Contemporary 4th Street facade with glass window wall, brick veneer matching historic brick, ACM panel trim. Project requires zoning board approval.
Roof Deck Addition
Roof deck 22'9" x 14'8" with ipe wooden deck, black metal guardrail cable rail, stucco-clad bulkhead with windows. Minor interior alterations including kitchen layout changes and washer/dryer addition.
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Adaptive reuse of historic church into 14 residential units in Harsamus Cove indicates continued demand for residential development in Jersey City's historic districts.
Sentiment
Commission expressed strong support for preserving mid-century modern architecture, noting very few examples exist in Jersey City and the county courthouse (best example) is slated for demolition.
Housing Demand
Roof deck additions continue to be common applications in Van Vorst Park Historic District, suggesting homeowner investment in property improvements.