velocity hoboken open house - actually 40 open houses!

Drum roll please................................................

Big treat today. Here's your first look at Velocity Hoboken, the condo developement that is about to have a public auction for 40 of the 128 units. My verdict is in. Yes it's close to where you'd rather not like it to be at the moment, however this should be of no consequence. And in a year or two when many of the other major developements are finished, such as Metrostop and Upper Grand, and the forthcoming retail presence of the Monroe Center of the Arts, you'll be so happy you scooped one of these puppies up at a fraction of the cost of market rate. From living in the area for a while now, it is clear that these condos SHOULD be getting market rate, just like anything else within a 10 block radius. I'm not kidding. YES, the original asking prices are way to high for this market, that is painfully obvious. Whomever drummed up the original asking prices should be fired because they are were way too aggressive. There's no wonder they had a hard time selling. However, the construction and ameneties are top notch for Hoboken, and you'd be a fool not to look at Velocity Hoboken if you are interested in upgrading your living space. Everything in life takes patience, and most things in life take a healthy imagination. So open your mind, start scrolling down, and think about the bigger picture. You'll be glad you gave it some thought:

Ok, so here we go. I stopped by there today to check out the scene, and to see if there was indeed interest in this whole auction idea. Low and behold, there were a healthy amount of people mulling around the property. I'll take you through my experience, but first, here a few shots of one of the model apartments on view. The whole statement of Velocity is baroque, modern, and contemporary- with a little bit of The Shining thrown in for excitement! Ladies and Gentlemen............heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Johnny:




When you approach the building, the first thing you notice is the GINORMOUS vertical sign that proudly announces the upcoming auction. People who are commuting on the light rail see it to and from work, people who hang out at the Monroe Center of the Arts also get to see it everyday. And finally, us real estate junkies who drive around looking for open houses will surely spot this sign. It's hung on the north side of the east building:



So when you enter the building on Jackson Street, there's a table of representatives that ask you to fill out some brief info, and then they give you a folder full of pricing, square footage, availabilities, and marketing material. Every single one of the 40 apartments that are being auctioned off on June 24th are open and available to look at RIGHT NOW. Every single one. And the good news- they are empty and they let you wander around the property at your own free will. Everything is open so you can check things out- the apartments, the courtyard, the gym, the parking garage- everything. It's very fun. I'm totally not being sarcastic. I love it!




My partner totally can't stand the two chandeliers that are hanging in the lobbies of both the west and east building, and of course- I totally dig them in every way possible. Why not?

P.S. The woman attending the door (pictured above) was the BEST part of this experience. She should be selling these units personally. She was so sweet and helpful:


Anyway, back to the business at hand. The next two pictures are of the east (first) and west (second) elevator banks. It's hard to tell from these pics, but one is shocking red, and the other is blood orange. Pretty cool. They've used this type of wall covering that has a 3D pattern effect. It looks like plaster molds at first, but up close it's really a type of foam applique that is applied to the wall and then painted. Or it comes in color already. I'm not sure. If anyone knows exactly what this is, please email me by clicking here.



It's squishy when you touch it, and sort of feels like it's tacky from just being painted. Interesting idea. Definitely makes a statement. Wonder how it will hold up to wear and tear? Here's a close-up:


Below are some pics of the hallways. Basically each hallway is white, the walls are covered in texture - each level has a different pattern on the wall. And each floor has its own color carpet. The 2nd floor has a red carpet, the 3rd floor has an orange carpet, and the 4th floor has a chocolate carpet. To my eye, the chocolate carpet/ stark white wall combo is the most eye pleasing. To be honest, the halls are slightly unnerving. The difinitive mistake REMI made when finishing this project was putting a drop ceiling and corporate office lighting in the halllways. Definite mistake. It doesn't look so hot, and I wasn't the only one who felt this way. The corporate nature of the ceilings takes away from the decorative baroque feel of the wall treatments:





This place is all about texture. It's one of the selling points, and actually I think it's pretty great - definitely unique to Hoboken. Here's a close-up of one of the hallway walls:


Now it's kitchen time - they look great. Standard 'luxury' kitchen of the moment. Nice appliances- top of the line fridge. Large slabs of black granite, generous counter space, and grey tile flooring. Everything's in check. Then after that I've posted some empty condo shots. Medium tone hardwood floors, over size windows, enormous closets in every unit- I'm talking walk in closets that in New York would be studio apartments. Amazing:







The absolute best part of these condos are the bathrooms. They're big, they are chock full of marble, have huge mirrors, beautiful modern hardware and fixtures, and sick double size frameless glass showers. I couldn't capture a proper pic of the glass shower without a crazy glare, so I've included one of a 'tub version' which you'd find in the 2nd bath. The master bath you'll have to see on your own! Taking the risk on bidding on one of these condos will be worth the chance to have some serious shower time up in there. Hands down the best part of this development. Pics didn't turn out so great, and certainly these images do not do the place justice, but here you go. You must go check them out yourself in person, it's the only way to truly appreciate the job well done:





Other cool hardware in the building: every door knob looks like this:


Here's a shot of the juliet balcony. You all know my feelings about juliet balconies, but there they are. These have double sliding doors, and double sliding screens, so if you want to skip the elevator and just jump head first into the courtyard- there's your way out. Or if you just want to kill yourself out of unhappiness because you've finally realized a juliet balcony is not a real balcony at all and you'll never find a hibachi small enough to fit out there, then, well.....here's your opportunity:


By the way, the above pic is everyone's view from the 2nd floor, if your condo faces the courtyard. Same with the pic below:


These next two pictures are your courtyard view if you live on the 4th floor:



Massive difference, huh? If you are thinking about bidding- bid for the higher floor, because the view is much better. And the starting prices are the same no matter what floor. If you purchase a condo that faces the light rail - which I'm sure is a concern - well, I can assure you, it's not a bad move. All you see, whether on the 2nd floor, 3rd, or 4th, is trees. Lush, green trees along the cliffs. Pretty sweet, especially if you are moving from the city. None of us are accustomed to staring at trees out your living room windows. The light rail is of no concern- all it makes is a wooshing sound when it breazes by. Does not bother at all. You'll sleep through it too. Trust me on this, it's not a problem. Here are few shots of the 2nd story private entrances. Each staircase entrance provides entry to two apartments. Kind of cool to have your own stoop. I had one years ago and have missed it ever since. And if you live on the light rail side - you can literally run out the door and hop on the train, which is pretty sweet:



Here's a pic of the gym - there's one in each building. On the small side, considering this developement is an entire block long, but hey at least you have a gym! And it has a bathroom, full of marble:


Here's a pic of the parking garage - also one in each bulding, on each side of the lobbies. They are well lit and open. No hiding places for the boogie man:


And lastly, (I'm exhausted by the way) here are a few pics of the courtyard - the other gem of this property:



The people who end up living here are going to LOVE this courtyard. It's gorgeous, sunny, lush, and full of promise. It feels very expansive, and because of the landscaping and locked gates, it's totally private. When lounging there, it's like you're in your own private oasis, free from all the riff raff. It's wifi ready, not to mention private property, so you can drag your laptop down to the grass, crack open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot with your honey, and read about how chic your new neighborhood is becoming on Hoboken Hero and wink at each other, because you know you made the right decision. So go ahead and smile. Then laugh. Then kiss.