‘The Lucy’ tops out as developers eye 2028 delivery for distinctive Jersey City apartment tower

A new 444-unit luxury apartment tower is taking shape in Jersey City, hitting a key construction milestone as part of a project that’s preserving sections of a historic church property.

Its developers, a joint venture of SJP Properties, Claremont Development and Battery Global Advisors, announced Wednesday that they’ve completed vertical construction for the building at 619 Grove St. Known as The Lucy, the project is on track to be complete in 2028 with a mix of upscale homes and amenities that they say will seamlessly integrate the original St. Lucy’s Roman Catholic Church, rectory and school that have long stood at the site.

PCCP is an equity partner in the project, which was designed by Michael Graves Architecture with interiors by Mary Cook Associates, while KL Masters Construction Cos. is managing construction.

“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.”

Apartments at The Lucy, which will include 431 market-rate units, will have upscale design, finishes and appliances. Residents will have access to indoor amenities such as a modern fitness center, a dog grooming room, a media and game room, multiple lounges with fireplaces and dedicated coworking and conference spaces, as well outdoor offerings with views of the city skyline and a rooftop pool, a sky lounge, a sundeck with grills and a penthouse bar.

SJP also pointed to distinctive spaces such as a bell-tower speakeasy and hydroponic garden, along with features such as a coffee bar, a grab-and-go market, bicycle storage and shuttle service to the PATH station.

“PCCP is excited to deliver new construction multifamily rental housing while honoring the architecture of the St. Lucy’s Church and the history of the neighborhood,” said PJ Finley, a vice president with PCCP. “We look forward to welcoming residents upon opening.”

The developers said the project required extensive and meticulous preservation work for portions of the original church, which closed in 1985. The new 24-story glass structure rises above the facades of the early 1900s brick and brownstone masonry, while stained-glass windows are incorporated into the lobby. The team is also preserving the church doors, which will continue to serve as the main entrance, as well as the iron fence, the tower bell and the facade of two historic walls.

“The Lucy promises to be at the forefront of Jersey City’s residential offerings,” said Richard Sciaretta, a partner with Claremont. “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.”