Project with 62 units aims to boost transit-oriented downtown
Jessica Perry//September 30, 2024//
Plans for the mixed-used development at 431-441 North Ave. in Dunellen would add 62 residences. - PROVIDED BY TAYLOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Plans for the mixed-used development at 431-441 North Ave. in Dunellen would add 62 residences. - PROVIDED BY TAYLOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Project with 62 units aims to boost transit-oriented downtown
Jessica Perry//September 30, 2024//
After winning approval for a project to bring 50 apartments to downtown Dunellen, Taylor Architecture & Design Sept. 23 received clearance from the municipality’s planning board cleared for another design.
As part of the Phase 1 Downtown Core district of the Dunellen Redevelopment Plan, the latest project at 431-441 North Ave. will include 62 residential units, with nine allocated as affordable, as well as approximately 4,200 square feet commercial space, according to the municipality.
TA&D said the project’s application received unanimous support from the planning board.
At its Sept. 12 meeting, the panel previously cleared plans from the North Plainfield-based firm for 405-415 North Ave., located nearby. That project is also a Core 1 component. Local resident and TA&D Lead Designer Italo Teixeira designed both projects, while President Brian Taylor presented each.
Outside, the projects’ designs adhere to requirements detailed by Dunellen’s redevelopment plan, which emphasizes “transit-inspired” architecture.
At 431-441 North Ave., warm brick masonry, stucco and storefront commercial glazing will help activate the streetscape, according to the firm. Meanwhile, the features continue the promenade of retail and restaurants already established in the area. “A prominent central tower with bracketed hip roof and clock tower harkens back to the railroad inspired architecture that Dunellen continues to preserve. The tower, like the streetscape façade, will be well lit in the evening to celebrate the transit inspired design,” the firm said.
According to TA&D, all dwelling units will be ADA adaptable, designed with features for people with disabilities. The building will be fully sprinklered. Additional amenities include covered parking, first floor lounges, resident storage, bicycle parking, a package room and a second-floor amenity deck.
Other presenting team members consisted of land use attorney Joseph Paparo of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman and civil engineer & professional planner Joseph Sparone of Dynamic Engineering. TA&D said the balance of the development team included Robert Colucco, Tory Bingaman, Conner Hughes and Craig Peregoy, all with Lake Como-based Dynamic Engineering.
Dunellen became a state-designed Transit Village in 2013. The initiative creates incentives for municipalities to redevelop or revitalize areas around their transit stops to help promote transit-oriented development.