Custom built print and web works.

Rem Koolhaas in Jersey City

Sunday March 25, 2007

Having grown up in Jersey City, I’m proud to learn that Rem Koolhaas is the architect for a massive mixed-use complex located 2 blocks from our current studio here in Downtown Jersey City. Koolhaas has been called the new Gehry. Some have dared to call him better. Koolhaas presented his design for the 52-story tower one month ago. The design is a little shocking and reminds me of the Citibank building in NYC. Is that even possible?? Pretty exciting for folks who’ve been lucky to afford to buy one of the many luxury condos in the neighborhood.

It should also be mentioned that there has been collateral damage due to the rapid development of this city. The future site of what will likely be the first piece of architecture that will put Jersey City on the global map (besides the wondrous Trump Tower located across the street from Koolhaas’s buildings), was once the home of many of the very artists who helped create the district now known as “The Powerhouse Arts District”. The old building was called 111First, now being demolished to break ground for the new buildings. Sadly and obviously, the artists lost the fight to renew their leases and so goes the demolition and rebuilding of JC. See some photos of this rapidly changing area.

The question is…where have all the artists gone now? Very few struggling fine artists can afford the 800 sq. ft luxury condos with their granite countertops and marble baths. I hear many are moving to the Jersey City Heights where East Erie will be relocating to next month. Hip hip hurray!