Journal Square Skyscraper

As Lead Architect at MVMK Architecture, I guided the design and technical delivery of this mixed-use gateway project at the northern edge of the Journal Square Redevelopment Area. Located at Summit Avenue and Route 139—just north of Jersey City’s historic Five Corners intersection—the building serves as a vibrant new landmark shaped through years of collaboration with city planners and neighborhood groups.

The development includes 209 residential units, 16,000 square feet of office space, and 1,372 square feet of retail. Set on a 14,000-square-foot, irregularly shaped site, the design takes full advantage of its unique position overlooking the Bergen Arches—a former railway corridor envisioned as a future linear park. The building engages this evolving public landscape with a retail destination and stair connection from street level, as well as a rear terrace and pocket park offering seating and views over the arches.

The podium is clad in warm Hudson River red brick, connecting the project to the surrounding neighborhood context. Above, the tower rises in a refined composition of matte white and charcoal aluminum panels, creating a distinctive contrast and rhythm along the skyline. At the southeast corner, a vertical reveal exposes a series of cantilevered balconies that rotate subtly as they ascend, giving the façade a dynamic sculptural quality.

The rooftop features resident amenities including outdoor gathering areas, a fitness center, and a lounge with panoramic city views. Thoughtfully designed at every level, the building celebrates the intersection of architecture and community—creating a welcoming urban presence that enhances both the public realm and the skyline of Journal Square.