KABR Group and Kushner Companies have been honored with the prestigious Adaptive Reuse Award from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy for their remarkable transformation of a century-old warehouse into a modern mixed-use facility. The award recognizes their successful redevelopment of the former Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company Warehouse, now known as the Arts & Powerhouse Building, located at 130 Bay Street in Jersey City's vibrant Powerhouse Arts District.
The historic six-story structure, originally built in 1913, has undergone a comprehensive $30 million renovation that carefully balances preservation with modern functionality. The building now serves as a dynamic mixed-use commercial property featuring flexible loft-style office spaces designed to attract creative professionals and businesses. The renovation also includes ground-floor retail spaces and an impressive 10,000-square-foot rooftop deck that offers additional amenities for tenants and visitors.
The restoration project was led by Manhattan-based GRO Architects, who took special care to preserve the building's significant historic elements throughout the modernization process. Most notably, the original brick façade has been meticulously maintained, ensuring that the structure retains its historic character while providing contemporary amenities and workspace solutions for today's businesses and creative professionals.
The Arts & Powerhouse Building benefits from exceptional transportation connectivity, making it highly accessible for workers and visitors. The location provides convenient access to multiple PATH stations, including Grove Street, Newport, and Exchange Place, as well as the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system. Additionally, the building's proximity to major transportation infrastructure such as the New Jersey Turnpike and the Holland Tunnel makes it easily reachable from various parts of the tri-state area.
"We're grateful to receive this recognition from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy," said Michael Goldstein, chief operating officer of KABR Group, expressing appreciation for the honor. "Preserving the historic character of the Arts & Powerhouse Building while creating a dynamic, modern environment for businesses and creatives has been a labor of love. This award underscores the importance of balancing innovation with heritage in urban development, and we appreciate GRO Architects' role in helping us achieve this unique vision."
