Groundbreaking for 70-percent Affordable Housing Project Breaks Ground After 15 years in the Making at Historic Jersey City 7-acre Site

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and representatives from RPM Development Group broke ground today at the historic Whitlock Cordage site, a feat 15 years in the making.

The 6 and a half acre site includes 5 existing buildings being renovated along with 29 newly reconstructed buildings.  The transformation will bring a total of 330 residential rental units to the location, 230 of which will be designated as affordable for residents of low and moderate income levels.

“This historic site will be transformed from an abandoned construction site, started back in 2003, to a state-of-the-art affordable housing location in the Lafayette section,” said Mayor Fulop.  “We continue to strive to bring affordable housing and jobs to Jersey City.  This project is a prime example of that.  Nearly half of this work is going to local contractors, and when the job is complete, we’ll have 230 additional affordable housing units to offer residents.”

Among the 34 new and renovated buildings, residents can choose from lofts, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units.  The amenities include a fitness center and community courtyard for residents.  One of the buildings will be used for indoor parking with 159 indoor spaces alongside 113 surface parking spots.

Much of the integrity of the historic buildings will be preserved including the landmark smoke stacks, illustrious windows and the developers will be maintaining beams and exposed brick where they exist.

“RPM Development Group is pleased to finally begin construction at Whitlock Mills,” said Edward Martogoio, President of RPM Development.  “These 330 units of high-quality, mixed-income housing will be an important part of the continued improvement of the neighborhood, and we appreciate the support of the City of Jersey City and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to help us reach this milestone.”

Construction originally started in 2003, but was halted by the previous developers.  RPM Development took over the project in June, and expects the first buildings to be open to residents by the summer of 2019.  The remaining buildings will follow shortly thereafter in 2020.

Whitlock Cordage Site History:

The site was first constructed and used by Passaic Zinc Works in the mid-1800s along the banks of the Morris Canal.  The Whitlock Cordage Company took over the site in 1905.  The company became a nationally recognized industrial business for its rope making in the early 20^thcentury.