Waterfront Escape On The Hudson River
By Brian Alvarado
A force in the homebuilding scene throughout the Western region of the United States, Newport Beach-based Landsea Homes has delivered its first East Coast project with Avora Apartments. The luxury-style complex is located in the master-planned community of Port Imperial along the Hudson River in New Jersey.
With an unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline, Avora’s location provides residents with an escape from the fast-paced lifestyle of the city, all while still making it easily accessible.
“We envisioned Avora as an oasis on the Gold Coast,” explained Thomas Graham, President of the New York Metro Division at Landsea Homes. “Our goal was to capitalize on Avora’s waterfront location and emphasize the views in each residence.”
With prices beginning at $800,000, units are available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, in addition to a private outdoor space.
The 184-unit building targets first-time homebuyers, empty nesters, and those who frequent the city.
Cutting-Edge, Compact Design
Measuring up to 11 stories in total, Avora’s design embodies bold, contemporary architecture with its compact design to maximizing space.
At first glance, the building’s striking structure is an eye-grab within itself through its unique layering of floors, use of lines, and unconventional angles.
Landsea called on internationally renowned architecture firm IBI Group and Interior Design Associates (IDA) for the waterfront project.
“The building’s structure encompasses diagrids in select homes that create a unique opportunity for residents to live among the architecture,” Graham describes. “Buyers love the columns’ innovative design, with some choosing to accentuate them with art and shelving.”
Break From The City
Avora was named “National Community of the Year” in 2018 by the National Association of Homebuilders in part due to its location.
Not only is the complex located next to the Hudson River, it’s also conveniently situated near transit options such as the New Jersey Transit Bus System, the Port Imperial Light Rail Station, and the Port Imperial Ferry Terminal, making the commute into the city as seamless as an eight minute boat ride.
Aside from accessibility into the city, the surrounding area of Weehawken, New Jersey offers a multitude of restaurants, parks, and waterfront trails for residents to enjoy.
Eco-Conscious Construction
Landsea Homes prides itself on constructing communities throughout the U.S. that encompass modern living with a vow toward sustainability. Avora is no different, comprised of 40 percent recycled materials to earn its LEED certification.
“During construction, approximately 75 percent of waste was diverted from landfills,” Graham said.
The entire building was designed with healthy, highly efficient, and eco-conscious construction to save approximately 12.5 percent of energy costs over a building designed based solely on meeting code.
Additionally, the condominium complex’s roof setup promotes stormwater control by limiting runoff from the site. Its green roof is a key part to the reduction of “Heat Island Effect,” where dark surfaces absorb significantly more solar radiation.
And while a car might not be a necessity with the conveniences offered by Avora, residents who do own one can enjoy a secure parking garage, along with charging stations for electric vehicles.
Resort-Style Living
Residents are offered a wide range of resort-style amenities which Graham says, “exudes a true indoor/outdoor living experience.”
Located on the third floor, some amenities include fire pits with outdoor amphitheater seating, a landscaped courtyard with grills and outdoor dining areas, a sun shelf swimming pool with adjacent cabanas, and a game room that includes virtual golf. There’s even on-site pet grooming offered as well.
On the first floor, a concierge is on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, similar to a lobby for any typical hotel.
Expansion Endeavors
With this project, Landsea had become Port Imperial’s newest developer to enter the community since 2008, according to Jersey Digs.
With plans of expansion on the horizon, Landsea is looking to continue to make its way into key gateway cities across the country.
A couple of development plans in the Big Apple are in the works for Landsea Homes — the firm broke ground on 212 W. 93rd Street in Manhattan, while also acquiring a prime development site at 540 6th Avenue, which is located at the center of three thriving downtown markets in Flatiron, Chelsea, and Greenwich Village.
Although Landsea has done much of its work on the West Coast, Avora Apartments’ location and design is a step forward in the right direction for expansion into new markets.
Brian Alvarado is the Editorial Assistant for Builder.Media. He can be reached at brian@builder.media.