Along the Hudson River, adjacent to the historic Hoboken Terminal, Hoboken Connect is taking a long-neglected stretch of waterfront and transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use district that blends history with modern infrastructure, reconnecting the community to its waterway.

The project introduces a dynamic mix of residential, office, and retail spaces, supported by major public improvements. Twenty percent of the residential units are designated as affordable housing, ensuring that growth includes equitable access. Public plazas, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, and enhanced vehicular circulation improve safety and connectivity across the site. The design also incorporates energy-efficient systems, stormwater management solutions, and green infrastructure to reduce flooding, an important issue for a waterfront city like Hoboken.

Hoboken Connect aligns with the city’s long-term goals of livability, sustainability, and economic vitality. By preserving and reactivating historic elements of Hoboken Terminal while adding modern amenities, the project uplifts the surrounding built environment and reduces blight. It creates a destination on the New Jersey waterfront that serves residents, commuters, and visitors.

The path to completion was not without challenges. The project had been in planning for decades, requiring persistence to align public and private goals. Economic conditions, including the disruptions of COVID-19, added uncertainty. Community concerns, such as maintaining view corridors and balancing density with open space, had to be addressed through consistent engagement. 

Partnerships proved critical to the project’s success. LCOR, NJ Transit, and the City of Hoboken, alongside other stakeholders, worked together to coordinate logistics and align objectives. This collaboration allowed the project to advance despite the complexity of the site and its many demands.

The redevelopment also shifts how people will interact with the area. Hoboken Terminal is one of the region’s true multi-modal transportation hubs to Manhattan, and the project strengthens connections between housing, transit, and public space. Where the site was once dominated by cars, it now prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists. The new public plaza and open spaces invite recreation, relaxation, and community interaction, adding vibrancy and life to what had been an overlooked corner of the city.

New Jersey Future is proud to recognize Hoboken Connect with a 2025 Smart Growth Award. Hoboken Connect demonstrates how transit-oriented development can create economic growth while preserving historic character. Through innovative design, this project promotes smart mobility by reducing car dependency, contributes to housing diversity with affordable units, and enhances the city’s appeal as a place to live, work, and play.