Beacon Ready for Next Phase

GlobeSt.com reports that plans for the next building phase at the Beacon are ready. The conversion of the Jersey City Medical Center from depression era hospital into luxury residences is a long term process.

The 22 Story Murdoch Hall will become the Paramount with 208 residential condos. The art deco features will be preserved, including the restoration of a theater from the era. With the first phase nearly sold out, the new construction phase will begin next year with occupancies beginning in 2010.

Already The Beacon has been seen as a boon for the McGinley Square area, with new construction and renovation sprouting up on properties adjacent to the old medical center. The Jersey City Police Department also has a motorcycle division in the complex.

The medical center was built during the depression, a gift from political machine boss Mayor Hague to the people of Jersey City. Hague's delivery of the city to President Roosevelt probably helped with financing too. The ten building complex will eventually house more than 1,200 apartments when the total conversion is complete. So far, three buildings have been converted.

Beacon Looking for Revised Tax Abatement

The redevelopment of the Jersey City Medical Center may become a bit more profitable as developer Metrovest seeks a revision to the tax abatement program similar to other already under construction projects that received more favorable revisions, writes the Jersey City Reporter.

Armory Under Renovation

Hudson Now updates us on the progress at the Jersey City Armory's renovation made possible with a a $1.7 million state grant.

Burgers

JC Register points out that the new Journal Square McDonalds is very close to opening, while the McGinley Square Burger King was very close to closing. The Jersey City Burger King was heavily indebted to corporate and closure was threatened.

Senior Housing Renovated

The Jersey Journal reports that seniors at 111 Storms Avenue are enjoying recent renovations made to their building.

Beacon Burns Pedestrian

Cleansers being used on the facade of the Beacon burned a women last week, reports the Journal. The acid dropped on the woman as she was walking to the police motorcycle squad to report that workers dropped the acidic cleaner on her car.

Hospital Morphs into Neighborhood

The massive medical center just east of McGinley Square sat vacant for years until the multi building complex began conversion into a new mixed use development. The first residences in The Beacon opened a few months ago, and several of the units sold for record prices. Many of the Art Deco features have been restored with stunning results. The Beacon hosted a tour this past weekend and JC Construction documented the journey with some remarkable photographs.

Former Courthouse Going Condo

The former municipal court house on Montgomery Street near McGinley Square is currently being converted into market rate condominiums. JC Construction posted a rendering of the finalized project, as well as photos of the current progress on the site.

Ochard Street Fire Dominates News

A fire raged Saturday at an Orchard Street home. Firefighters saved the life of a 2 year old boy. The JC Register has a map, while the Jersey Journal has several articles mentioning a 'Bona fide rescue', neighbors rushing to help, and a terrified hero. All in all, it was a slow news day.