The City of Hoboken today announced the issuance of a Request for Conceptual Development Proposals for the Garage B Redevelopment Project, inviting qualified developers to submit concept plans that align with the recently adopted redevelopment plan. The project would transform the current municipal parking garage, located on Second Street between Hudson and River Streets, into a mixed-use development with a residential component of 100 percent affordable and workforce housing.
“The Garage B Redevelopment Plan represents a historic step in addressing the shortage of affordable and workforce housing in Hoboken,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “By transforming an outdated garage into a modern, sustainable development, we are ensuring that essential workers, families, and residents of all income levels are not continually displaced and have a place to call home. This project will be a win-win by maintaining our commitment to preserving public art, improving infrastructure, providing parking, more much-needed school space, and supporting local businesses. I look forward to reviewing proposals in the coming weeks and continuing the stakeholder engagement through an open public planning process.”
Under the adopted redevelopment plan, Garage B, an over 40-year-old facility, would be replaced with a state-of-the-art municipal parking garage, modern ground-floor retail spaces, and a mix of workforce and affordable housing. The residential component will include a minimum of 20 percent affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. The remaining units will be designated as workforce housing for households earning no more than 120 percent of the regional median income.
Additional permitted uses for the upper floors of the development include a school, government offices, and recreational facilities. Co-working spaces and shared offices are also permitted, alongside amenities such as bike parking, public plazas, and open spaces to enhance the community environment.
The redevelopment plan emphasizes sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient designs and modern construction standards. The new development will reduce long-term maintenance costs while providing pedestrian safety upgrades through the Vision Zero initiative. The design will complement the surrounding neighborhood with strategic setbacks and material selections to preserve light and air.
A key cultural component of the project is the preservation of the existing mural on Hudson Street. The redevelopment plan outlines a commitment to integrate elements of the mural into the new building’s design through photographs or physical pieces. Additional public art installations will also be considered to celebrate the City’s artistic heritage.
With the issuance of the Request for Concept Development Proposals, the City will begin the process of selecting a conditional redeveloper. Before a redevelopment agreement is finalized, the selected developer will be required to conduct studies as outlined in the redevelopment plan, and the City will also host several public engagement sessions to gather input from the community.
To learn more and submit a proposal, go to www.hobokennj.gov/resources/request-for-conceptual-design-proposals-garage-b-redevelopment-plan.
