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Jersey City Mayor James Solomon announced a deal March 2 with Kushner Real Estate Group to convert the planned Pompidou Museum site in Journal Square into affordable housing.

NJBIZ previously reported on the project to bring a satellite location of the famed French museum to Journal Square. The plan eventually became a political football, with state funding ultimately pulled in June 2024. In an attempt to resuscitate the project, the previous administration, under Mayor Steven Fulop, granted a 30-year tax abatement to KRE; the city received 100,000 square feet of space at the ArtWalk Towers development at 808 Pavonia Ave.

Solomon succeeded Fulop in January. He previously raised concerns about the project during his time as a councilman and opposed the tax abatement. Shortly after taking office as mayor, Solomon declared the Pompidou project “dead” as the city wrestles with a major budget shortfall.

“The previous administration left Jersey City with no financially responsible way to move forward with the Pompidou concept,” said Solomon. “But we appreciate KRE’s willingness to partner with us on a new vision.

That kind of flexibility deserves recognition. It’s exactly the kind of partnership this city needs, and the type of work that will be a trademark of this administration.
— Jersey City Mayor James Solomon

“They came to us with a proposal for pivoting from the museum to badly needed affordable housing. That kind of flexibility deserves recognition. It’s exactly the kind of partnership this city needs, and the type of work that will be a trademark of this administration.”

What works for the neighborhood

The revamped plan will unfold at Artwalk Towers, located across from the Journal Square PATH station.

Construction on the first phase of the two-tower project is already underway. The development secured $175 million in financing in late 2024.

“We’ve been building in Journal Square for over two decades, and we’re invested in this community’s future,” said KRE President Jonathan Kushner. “We want what is best for the neighborhood and all of Jersey City and reimagining this project as affordable housing pushes forward our long-term dedication to building a better Jersey City. We’re proud to partner with the city on this.”

Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa applauded the agreement.

“Journal Square’s revitalization is going to be for our residents who deserve access to affordable housing and my expectation is to provide them with much needed space for community, whether that be for recreation, seniors, artists, or a mix of the above,” said Zuppa.

Officials said they will also explore adding community space. Details on unit counts and affordability levels will  be released soon.