The Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy has recognized the successful blend of history and modernity at the Arts & Powerhouse Building, awarding developers KABR Group and Kushner its prestigious Adaptive Reuse Award.
The award celebrates the $30 million renovation and redevelopment of the former 1913 Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company Warehouse, transforming the sprawling industrial structure at 130 Bay Street into a thriving mixed-use hub within Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District.
The recognition was presented on September 18th at the “Save the Powerhouse 2025 Preservation Awards” ceremony, an event marking 26 years of the Conservancy’s dedication to promoting historic preservation across the city. Manhattan-based GRO Architects was also recognized for its integral role in meticulously restoring the building’s original character.
Preserving industrial heritage
The core mission of the project was to maintain the historic integrity of the six-story warehouse while introducing features necessary for a contemporary urban landmark. The developers successfully preserved key historic industrial elements, including:
- Soaring ceilings
- Original brick facades
- Structural details
These elements were seamlessly integrated with modern amenities, flexible loft-style layouts, and a striking 10,000-square-foot rooftop amenity deck that offers tenants panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
A thriving mixed-use hub
Now known as the Arts & Powerhouse Building, the property offers up to 135,000 rentable square feet (RSF) of commercial, retail, and creative space. The ground floor retail has already attracted a notable lineup of tenants, including Rumble Boxing, Daily Provisions, Han Dynasty, and Spear Physical Therapy. The building has also secured key commercial tenants like One Medical (an Amazon company) and Hudson Golf.
The building’s prime location ensures exceptional connectivity, situated near the Grove Street, Newport, and Exchange Place PATH stations, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, the NJ Turnpike, and the Holland Tunnel.
“We’re grateful to receive this recognition from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy,” said Michael Goldstein, chief operating officer of KABR Group. “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.”
The project is now being highlighted as a premier example of how historic preservation can successfully anchor a modern, vibrant commercial district.
