New apartment tower tops out on historic Jersey City church property

A new 444-unit luxury apartment tower in Jersey City, part of a project that’s preserving sections of a historic church property, is one step closer to completion as it hits a key construction milestone.

Developers SJP Properties, Claremont Development and Battery Global Advisors announced on Oct. 22 that they’ve completed vertical construction for The Lucy, located at 619 Grove St. in Downtown Jersey City.

The tower, on track for completion in 2028, will feature a mix of upscale homes and high-end amenities. The property will incorporate elements from the historic St. Lucy’s Roman Catholic Church, rectory and school that have long stood at the site.

“We believe The Lucy will deliver a distinctive residential experience to Jersey City, and with the building now topped out, we are one step closer to opening the doors,” said Steven J. Pozycki, founder and CEO of SJP Properties. “This development seamlessly blends luxury living with the character of St. Lucy’s historic structure. By preserving its legacy and introducing exceptional new homes and amenities, The Lucy is expected to serve Jersey City as it continues to grow.”

St. Lucy’s Roman Catholic Church was established in 1884 in what was known as the city’s Horseshoe section, originally serving the influx of poor Irish immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. It evolved over time, but ultimately closed in the 1980s; and the adjacent school building was later adapted into a homeless and emergency shelter.

The property was included on Preservation New Jersey’s list of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey in 2018. The non-profit organization — which aims to protect and revitalize the state’s historic properties — urged city officials to protect, preserve and envision a new future for the historic property.

The Lucy, a new luxury residential tower coming to Jersey City in 2028, topped out on Oct. 22. It marks a milestone for the property’s construction process.
It took several years, but the plan for the property was approved in 2023. The homeless shelter that previously occupied the property’s old school had relocated to a new facility just across the street, and the developers broke ground on The Lucy in 2025.

The 24-story property will feature design by Michael Graves Architecture, interiors by Mary Cook Associates and construction by KL Masters Construction Co. It will include 431 market-rate residences, 13 affordable housing units and a host of amenities, like a resort-style lobby, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop pool and a bell-tower speakeasy.

The building rises above the 1900s brick and brownstone facade of the original church building. The original stained-glass windows will be incorporated into the lobby; the church doors will continue to serve as the main entrance; and other features like the iron fence, the tower bell and the facade of two historical walls will remain intact.

“The Lucy promises to be at the forefront of Jersey City’s residential offerings,” said Richard Sciaretta, partner of Claremont Development. “Enshrining the legacy of St. Lucy’s historic structure was a priority for the development team, and we are proud to honor that while delivering hundreds of state-of-the-art apartments to one of the most dynamic housing markets in the region.”