Blue Onyx Cos. said Tuesday site work started for “24+Half,” an adaptive reuse project located at 24-1/2 Van Houten St. in Paterson.

Listed on the National Historic Register, the 2-plus acre site is located within the Old Great Falls Historic District along the Passaic River. The five-year master plan calls for transforming the property’s seven former mills and warehouses into a work-live-play environment and community hub.

“Blue Onyx is committed to bringing strong, positive impact to today’s urban landscape by investing in and developing transformative real estate projects. As soon as we saw this property, we saw its potential as a vibrant mixed-use community,” said Levi Kelman, Blue Onyx chief executive officer, in a prepared statement. “We’re excited about creating a catalyst for renewal within this historic neighborhood in a way that celebrates Paterson’s entrepreneurial past while looking forward to a sustainable future.”

The redevelopment will feature approximately 19,000 square feet of residential, commercial, dining and other space.

Some of the project’s proposed details include rehabilitated commercial spaces with coworking units; on-site amenities such as a fitness center, food hall, community theater or event space, and public gathering spaces, as well as spaces for private and corporate events; plans call for a distillery and beer garden to occupy one building, and a riverwalk linking the Great Falls to the bridge crossing at Memorial Drive.

As part of Phase One, Blue Onyx created “Paterson Beach” a 12,230-square-foot beach environment complete with sand, furniture, food trucks and activities that launches on Sept. 10. The company plans to create a series of activations for prospective tenants and the public, as renovations and new construction take place.

Blue Onyx acquired the site in December 2019. Plans are now going through the necessary approval channels, from city planners to preservation committees to the National Park Service. The firm partnered with global architecture firm HWKN to design the commercial, residential and public spaces that will make 24+Half a hub for urban living and community events and experiences.