Newport in Jersey City is celebrating another addition to its expansive offerings – which cover housing, office space and open areas – along the Hudson River with the debut of Lighthouse Point.

The 12,000-square-foot public space features a statuesque 50-foot lighthouse in addition to the Waterfront Walkway, a lawn for picnics and other outdoor activities – like cornhole – and Adirondack chairs. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for 2 p.m. April 25 to celebrate.

The area also marks the last piece of public access that Newport developers LeFrak and Simon were responsible for on the Walkway. It follows the addition of the eight-story sculpture “Water’s Soul” from two years ago.

“The opening of this space is yet another example of Newport’s commitment to the people of Jersey City.  This is a place for people to gather, enjoy and take in the views that are inextricably linked to this neighborhood,” said Newport Managing Director Jeremy Farrell in a statement. “As with Water’s Soul these open spaces serve to affirm that community is at the heart of everything Newport does.”

Which makes sense, being that Newport is, itself, an expansive community.

The former block of abandoned rail yards, docks and industrial spaces is now one of the most successful planned mixed-use communities in the world, with homes for more than 12,000 people, 5 million square feet of Class A office space, and spaces like those at Lighthouse Point that span acres along the Hudson. Newport also built 1.1 miles of that Waterfront Walkway.

According to Newport, the striped lighthouse, a tribute to the area’s maritime past, stands tall, “beaconing all to gather, play, and reflect.”

“Being able to enjoy a walk along the Hudson River is a major benefit to living in Jersey City,” said Mayor Steven Fulop.  “Newport has done good work around the importance of providing amenities for all Jersey City residents to use, with Lighthouse Point being the latest addition.  It’s an important contribution to the City’s fabric.”

Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon said that he was “thrilled to witness the grand opening of Lighthouse Point in Newport.”

“Green spaces play a significant role in fostering a vibrant and healthy Jersey City,” he continued in a statement. “Thank you to all who made this public space possible for everyone in Jersey City!”

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