Thursday, May 10, 2007

velocity hoboken, so fast it blurs your vision


Color really makes a difference, and in Hoboken, more and more developers are utilizing unique color choices and interesting materials like copper and aluminum to add depth and character to new properties. Case in point: Velocity - a brand spanking new two building masterpiece that was inspired by the late 18th century architect Carl van der Rohr, by way of Amsterdam. It's a complicated back-story, with some strange scenario of lost blueprints that somehow found their way into the hand of a NJ developer ( ! ) but regardless, the project is going to be amazing. I particularly love the townhouse entrances, the staircases are beautiful. Oh to have a stoop again!


Everyday on my way to work, I glide past these empty buildings while zipping by on the light rail (a block from the train entrance, very convenient), and cast a longing gaze at these buildings. They are very cool. A mix of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos, with first floor parking and a ton of amenities. It seems they are still putting the finishing touches on the interiors, because it's not quite move-in ready. For something whose name refers to swiftness and rapidity of motion, they sure are taking a long time to spit shine this sucker and get people in there.


Between the two buildings will be a massive 25,000 square foot courtyard that runs through the entire block. Inside, this green space will provide a place to play, read, dine, and will be a wireless hotspot in case you like to spend your time outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, but staring at a computer monitor. In the below picture you can see they are in the process of laying down the slabs of concrete that will be the main walkway. Concrete?! I think my Grandfather put the same concrete slabs outside his home sometime in 1962. But Velocity is doing it in a new way which is quite charming, with color blocking and an interesting pattern.



Will someone please explain to me why the Juliette Balcony was invented?!?? They are an utter mystery to me, and I don't like them. We looked at many apartments with these type of 'balconies' and I just felt like I was in PRISON when looking out the window that had one attached. Why not just build a terrace? Clearly there's a Romeo reference here, but I still don't understand the use of this type of balcony you can only look at and not stand on. Was Juliette a young little waif not unlike some of today's young Hollywood set? Did she have a severe eating disorder that allowed her to stand in a 60" x 2" space? We will never know. Any answers to this inquiry, please leave a comment. I beg you.


The below pic shows the backyard area that has enough space for park land or green space- will our dreams come true? I wonder what will go here besides the entryway driveway? The back of this property faces the light rail, and has a beautiful lush treeline view when the weather is warm. The front entrance to Velocity is on Jackson Street, between 6th and 7th Streets, right opposite the Jubilee Center. This development is going to severely change the dynamic of this particular area of northwest Hoboken.


A very cool design aspect of Velocity is their twin glass and steel entryways- both of which have matching giant crystal chandeliers hanging from their double height ceilings. Unfortunately, the sun was shining down too brightly and I couldn't quite get the shot I wanted. Additional pics to come. In the meantime, enjoy this perspective, crystal hanging from heaven. Tre chic:


For more information, and to check out the remaining available listings (a handful are left) click here:

www.velocityhoboken.com

Also, click here to learn more about how Velocity was constructed using pre-cast materials. Fascinating!

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