Bergen Avenue Residences
Located in the Greenville section of Jersey City, the project consists of a full reconstruction to an existing multi-family dwelling. The building was vacant when the current owners acquired the property requiring a full reconstruction of both the interior and exterior of the building.
The project consists of four dwelling units with a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments. A rear yard addition was constructed to increase the size of the units and to allow for an increase in the unit count. The project contains a nice mix of one, two and three bedroom units. During construction a number of original facade details were uncovered. These elements were preserved and incorporated into the final facade design
The project is currently under construction with a completion date of the summer of 2020
Located in the Village neighborhood in downtown Jersey City, the original building dates from the mid 1800's. In the 1970's the ground floor commercial space was converted into an apartment, the original storefront was bricked over and most of the building's historic features were lost. Suffering from years of neglect and in a state of severe disrepair, the new owner sought to renovate the building to modern standards and restore the facade to its original appearance.
The apartment count was maintained The oversized ground floor unit was divided into two one-bedroom units and the second and third floors each house a single two-bedroom apartment. The building was completely gutted and extensive structural work was required to stabilize the building. The original staircase, the only surviving historical element, was also rebuilt and preserved. The facade was reconstructed with clapboard siding and decorative moldings to match the original profiles, new windows, a refurbished fire escape, and a new ground floor storefront to match the original configuration.
Project Completed for Sionas Architecture, PC
373 2nd Street Jersey City
Project Completed for Sionas Architecture PC
Walnut Street Deck
Home to a popular cafe on the ground floor and an owner occupied apartment above, the goal of the project was to improve the connection between the apartment and an underutilized rear yard while creating a unique outdoor space with a gritty industrial feel reflective of the surrounding neighborhood.
A second bedroom was converted to a family room and a new opening was created in the rear facade. A custom designed canopy was installed above the new sliding glass door. The new deck and staircase were configured to provide the most direct route to the rear yard while maximizing the allowable footprint. Steel was selected as the primary structural material and perforated panels provide a unique design element but also serve a functional purpose in offering better protection for the owner's two small dogs that could easily squeeze between typical balcony railings. Ipe wood was used for the decking to contrast with the steel and to provide warmth and a comfortable walking surface.
Project Completed for Sionas Architecture, PC
The front porch of this Spanish Colonial Revival home was originally designed as an open-air pergola and outdoor patio. During the 1920's, the pergola was enclosed, topped with a fiberglass roof and converted into an entry vestibule. Over time the structure deteriorated and the roof discolored, blocking light to the adjacent living and dining rooms.
The Owner wished to restore the pergola as close as possible to it's original appearance. The deteriorated beams were carefully repaired or replaced and a custom glass roof was detailed. The transparent glass roof allows the maximum amount of daylight to penetrate into the rooms beyond while also accentuating the decorative pergola structure. Additionally, the space now functions as a sun-room, providing passive auxiliary heating to the house during the winter.
In addition to drafting the construction documents for the project, the firm also assisted the homeowner in obtaining Historic Preservation Commission approvals.