In the heart of Fort Lee, New Jersey, a new concept in urban living has emerged with the launch of the Fiat House, a residential community inspired by the charm and design principles of the iconic Italian automotive brand, Fiat. This unique endeavor represents a collaboration between the Fiat automaker and Unlmtd Real Estate, resulting in the world’s first Fiat-branded residential building. It encapsulates everything from sustainability to luxury living, all while embracing the essence of 'la dolce vita,' a term suggesting the sweet life often associated with Italian culture.
Situated at 2100 North Central Road, the Fiat House is designed to offer not just a place to live, but a lifestyle. The rental units range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, starting at $2,400 per month. The first phase of apartment occupancy began in June, featuring 178 units. A second phase is on the horizon, with an additional 131 units expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Gabrielle LoConte, who is the development lead at Unlmtd Real Estate, noted that the project began in 2018 without a collaboration with Fiat initially planned. However, the location's potential quickly led to the decision to partner with a brand known for its innovative design. "When brainstorming car brands, Fiat was one of the first that came to mind," said LoConte, highlighting the synergy between Fiat’s approach to design and her firm’s vision for a luxurious living space: compact yet stylish.
The apartment's interiors reflect Fiat’s stylish aesthetics. Residents can expect to find luxury vinyl tile floors, expansive windows reaching nearly ten feet in height, built-in shades, and LED ceiling lights. Students will appreciate the intelligent design of studio apartments, which cleverly include built-in Murphy beds and desks to maximize space efficiency. This attention to detail speaks to both function and style, qualities decidedly at the core of Fiat’s philosophy.
Complementing the impressive living spaces are amenity-rich common areas designed to foster community and connectivity among residents. A shared kitchen space encourages social gatherings, while a library, gym, cinema, and game room (complete with a golf simulator) are among the highlights. These communal features are intended to embrace the ‘togetherness’ aspect of ‘la dolce vita’, allowing residents to engage with one another while enjoying a lifestyle full of comforts and conveniences.
In addition to these features, Fiat House is collaborating with New York City’s Urbn Playground. This partnership aims to elevate the resident experience with unique activities and events. From food trucks and gelato to fitness classes, the idea is to create a vibrant and engaging living environment. This lifestyle initiative is supported by the exclusive resident app, providing seamless access to event schedules, concierge services, and additional community benefits.
Moreover, sustainability plays a significant role in this residential project. Fiat House aims to exemplify modern living while being environmentally conscious. The building includes electric vehicle charging stations in a dedicated parking area and a household goods rental program in collaboration with Tulu. LoConte also mentioned an envisioned Fiat 500e car-sharing program poised to save residents the hassle of car ownership while promoting electric vehicle use.
LoConte explained, "We were focused on filling a void in the Fort Lee market. Our homes are efficiently sized, but beautifully designed, so we're able to offer a luxury product at an entry-level price point." Located at a strategic nexus for commuters, the Fiat House allows easy access to Manhattan. Residents can choose their mode of transport—be it walking, biking, driving, or taking the bus—facilitating a smooth work-life balance.
As the first of its kind, the Fiat House brings fresh opportunities for luxury living among urban professionals who value stylish yet functional residence options. It is noteworthy that despite being a car brand-inspired living space, it does not promote vehicular dependency; instead, it encapsulates that ease of access and livability that modern residents seek.
A unique feature set to open this fall is the Fiat 500 Lounge, an exclusive penthouse space designed by the renowned Italian design company, Kartell. This lounge will provide stunning views of New York City while offering residents amenities like soft drink services and an espresso bar, further embodying the Italian lifestyle that Fiat is known for.
In a nutshell, the Fiat House represents a creative fusion between lifestyle, community, and sustainability. It offers a glimpse into the future of living spaces that are anchored in great design while being mindful of environmental impacts. For those in search of a sophisticated urban life, Fiat House stands out as both a residence and a community, inviting its residents to embrace 'la dolce vita' every day.
