The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency is actively seeking proposals from qualified developers for the acquisition and redevelopment of two key properties located at 84 Sip Avenue and 68-74 Sip Avenue. These sites were initially earmarked for the Centre Pompidou X Jersey City project, which has since been shelved, prompting the city to pivot towards selling the properties for redevelopment.
According to the agency, the Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued in compliance with the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1, et seq., which governs such initiatives. The properties, situated in the Journal Square 2060 Redevelopment Area, consist of City Tax Block 9501, Lot 21 (68-74 Sip Avenue/70 Sip Avenue) and City Tax Block 9501, Lot 22 (84 Sip Avenue). The JCRA has set a deadline for submissions, requiring all proposals to be received by 3:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. For full details, interested parties can visit the JCRA’s official website.
In a related development, the Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) has shared plans for a new theater at 165 Newark Avenue. Executive Producer Olga Levina announced an ambitious project aimed at transforming 575 Summit Avenue into a hub for the arts, promising to deliver 86,000 square feet of new creative space to Journal Square.
Levina, alongside her partner Ben LoPiccolo of LoPiccolo Development Group, intends to restore the existing Christian Reformed Pentecostal church located at the corner of Summit and Cottage. This historic building will become the new headquarters for JCTC. Adjacent to the church, they plan to erect a thirty-one-story tower that will feature four theaters (including one dedicated to film), two art galleries, nearly a hundred affordable live/work units for artists, and an event space with catering services on the top floor.
Upon completion, Levina and LoPiccolo claim that this tower will stand as the tallest arts center in the world, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of Journal Square. This announcement comes amidst a wave of revitalization efforts in the area, which has seen a surge in arts-related projects as part of its transformation.
Last year, Jersey City’s municipal government approved a tax abatement for another tower project in Journal Square, which was backed by developer KRE, who promised to include an outpost of the Pompidou, a renowned Paris-based museum. This decision sparked considerable debate, with some community members questioning the investment in an external institution rather than fostering local arts initiatives.
Levina emerged as a vocal advocate for local arts during the discussions surrounding the Pompidou project, emphasizing the need for Jersey City to cultivate its own creative community. With the ambitious plan for 575 Summit Avenue, she is now putting her words into action.
The LoPiccolo Development Group has a proven track record in the area, having successfully transformed the historic White Eagle Hall at 337 Newark Avenue into the city’s largest concert venue. Their collaboration with Gernot Riether, the director of the School of Architecture at NJIT, emphasizes a commitment to sustainable design in the new arts center.
Support for the proposed arts center comes from current Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano and Ward E Councilman James Solomon, who is also a candidate for mayor. Both have co-sponsored the enabling resolution necessary for the project to move forward, showcasing a unified front among local leaders in support of enhancing the city’s cultural landscape.
As Jersey City continues to evolve, the juxtaposition of the redevelopment efforts at Sip Avenue and the ambitious arts project at Summit Avenue illustrates a broader vision for the future of Journal Square. With a blend of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces, the area aims to become a vibrant hub that caters to the needs of its growing population while fostering a rich artistic community.
Levina and LoPiccolo’s project, alongside the JCRA’s call for proposals, underscores a pivotal moment for Jersey City as it navigates the complexities of urban redevelopment. The outcomes of these initiatives could very well shape the character of Journal Square for generations to come.
In conclusion, the ongoing redevelopment of Jersey City, particularly in Journal Square, reflects a dynamic interplay between community needs and ambitious artistic aspirations. As the city looks to the future, the commitment to fostering local talent and creating spaces for creativity will undoubtedly play a crucial role in its identity.
