The Beacon

So why do I like the Beacon so much?

Back in the 1930s the mayor of Jersey City had helped FDR get re-elected. Therefore FDR gave the area a number of kickbacks including funds to build an art deco 10 building complex for a hospital. The Jersey City Medical Center later became one of the most well known pre-natal hospitals in the nation. But because the complex was so big, the hospital didn't have the funds to keep it functional. They later moved to another part of Jersey City and left the gorgeous buildings in the 60s. Over the years, the buildings sat there untouched. Now, Metrovest has come in to renovate the buildings. With plans to remake the 10 buildings each into their own interior styles. The first two buildings, the Rialto and Capitol, are filled with studios, 1bdrms, and 2bdrms. The third building is under construction for 3000 and 6000 sq ft lofts. Future plans include a shopping center, restaurants, a gourmet grocery store, and a town center.

Right now, the finished buildings, Rialto and Capitol, have a Humber of amenities that have drawn me in :-)
-- free shuttle to the Groce St and Exchange Place PATH stations, which will essentially free transportation to work for me
-- doorman and valet parking for the parents
-- a ballroom with monthly "galas", which means to me an opportunity to be a part of the condo committee and continue to plan events
-- a movie theater, billiards room, poker room
-- a gym with studio classes for yoga, pilates, cardio, and spinning
-- a spa with free messages, hot tubs, sauna, and swimming pool
-- a deli that delivers to your door (can we say CU Snacks?)
-- and a sun deck with giant barbeque spaces complete with a fire pit. Soon to be the location of my apartment warming party ;-)

All of this is included in the common charges that also include heating, A/C, gas, and wifi. Yes, wifi is included. The best part? Maintenance charges per month total only $550/mo, which would have been my taxes payment per month. And taxes on Jersey City? Under $200/month.