NJ TRANSIT has initiated the search for a qualified anchor tenant and operator for the newly renovated historic Lackawanna Ferry Terminal building; a centerpiece of the ongoing Hoboken Connect redevelopment project.
The agency announced it is preparing to release a Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ/P) to find an entity that can activate the 50,000 square feet of available space within the terminal’s first and second floors. The goal is to transform the restored building into a contemporary, high-profile destination for events and public amenities, while generating a dependable revenue stream for NJ TRANSIT.
“Through the release of this RFQ/P, we expect to find a partner who shares our grand vision for the possibilities this unique and historic space provides to transform and revitalize the Hoboken Waterfront district,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “We are seeking an operator with the ability to not just manage, but to create a singular destination for top-tier events accessible to people throughout the metropolitan area and beyond.”
A historic space reimagined
Constructed in 1907 in the Beaux-Arts style, the building features grand public spaces and ornate architectural details. NJ TRANSIT and the State of New Jersey have invested in its restoration, preserving its early 20th-century elegance while enhancing it with modern amenities.
The newly renovated space offers:
- Second Floor: 35,988 square feet of leasable space, classified for assembly (A-3 occupancy), with a maximum main hall occupancy of 2,084 people.
- First Floor: 14,973 square feet of leasable space, also A-3 classified, with a maximum main hall occupancy of 1,032 people.
NJ TRANSIT envisions the second floor as an ideal venue for community, cultural, and commercial functions, though it will consider alternative proposed uses. The terminal offers exceptional visibility and prime positioning within one of New Jersey’s busiest transit hubs, serving both NJ TRANSIT customers and the Hoboken community.
Part of the Hoboken Connect vision
The ferry terminal restoration is the latest phase of the multi-faceted Hoboken Connect redevelopment project, one of the most significant economic transformations along the Hudson Waterfront. The initiative includes:
- A 386-unit apartment building (20% affordable housing), currently under construction.
- A future Class A office building.
- Reimagined public spaces, including Warrington Plaza and Hudson Place.
- Improved transportation with a new bus terminal and enhanced bike/pedestrian facilities.
Qualified vendors interested in becoming the anchor tenant are encouraged to register to receive the forthcoming RFQ/P, which will be released later this year. Registered parties will gain access to high-level offering details, including a virtual tour of the space.
