PLACEMAKERS
URBAN PLANNING + PLACEMAKING PORTFOLIO
Practice
MHS Architecture is a leading architectural, planning, urban design, and interior design company with a remarkable 42-year legacy of creating award-winning placemaking projects. Emphasizing the design of impactful mixed-use multifamily developments that shape their neighborhoods, low to high-rise mixed-use projects, combined with significant land planning and urban design redevelopment efforts, continue to serve communities across New Jersey. The firm strikes a balance between commercial goals and community engagement. This approach leads to sensible growth that fosters vibrant communities and safe, affordable, and sustainable neighborhoods which have enjoyed widespread popularity, positive reception, and high utilization rates.
ALEXANDER MAYORGA DESIGN DIRECTOR
DEAN MARCHETTO FAIA PP FOUNDING PRINCIPAL
ANTONIO BELTRAN DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
BRIAN ZIFF RA LEED AP BIM DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE
MICHAEL HIGGINS AIA LEED AP PRINCIPAL
CODY MILLER RA NCIDQ ASSOCIATE
NOWAK LEED AP ASSOCIATE
DANIEL
AP BRUCE STIEVE AIA PRINCIPAL
NOWAK AIA
JUAN RODRIGUEZ RA ASSOCIATE
MICHAEL BULDO AIA PRINCIPAL
MAYKEL DOMINGUEZ AIA ASSOCIATE
VINCENT MARCHETTO AIA PRINCIPAL
PAULA ROCHA NCIDQ INTERIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE
SANTIAGO TORRES RA, PP, LEED BD+C ASSOCIATE
AIA NEW JERSEY — FIRM OF THE
MARCHETTO HIGGINS STIEVE ARCHITECTS HONORED AS FIRM OF THE YEAR BY AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS - NJ CHAPTER
HOBOKEN, N.J., November 26, 2019 –Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects (MHS Architecture), a premier architectural, planning and design firm specializing in residential and mixeduse multifamily developments, has been named “Firm of the Year” – a highly-esteemed award given by the American Institute of Architects-New Jersey Chapter (AIA-NJ). The honor, which was announced as part of AIA’s 2019 Service Awards, distinguishes MHS Architects as an exceptional architectural firm and recognizes its impressive success and significant expansion over the past year.
With demand growing for walkable, city-centric living and substantial redevelopment efforts underway throughout New Jersey’s urban centers, real estate developers have increasingly relied on MHS Architects’ extensive experience and inventive solutions for transforming inner cities and downtowns into vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods, leading the company to expand
in size by nearly 25% in 2018-19. Notable assignments recently completed by the firm include Bijou Properties’ 424-unit 7 Seventy House rental building in Hoboken, K. Hovnanian Homes’ Nine on the Hudson waterfront condominium building in West New York, and Roseland Property Company’s Metropolitan Lofts rental building in Morristown, among others.
“We’re such Dean nearly
“This planners efforts winning
THE YEAR
“We’re incredibly honored and appreciative to receive such a prestigious award,” said Founding Principal Dean Marchetto, FAIA, who has led the firm for it’s nearly 40 years in operation.
“This is a tribute to our entire team of architects, planners and staff in recognition of their exemplary efforts to serve our development clients in awardwinning fashion. Their unwavering dedication and
commitment to both design and community building has allowed us to expand our scope of services and enter many new and exciting markets throughout the state. Their creativity and tireless work ethic have us well positioned for continued growth in the years to come.”
Journal Square Redevelopment Plan
Jersey City, NJ
Prepared for: City of Jersey City Redevelopment Agency
MHS Architecture in association with A. Nelessen Associates developed this comprehensive Redevelopment Plan that sets forth the terms and conditions under which the 244-acre Journal Square area may be developed. This is a form-based code that defines the building massing, the character of the spaces between the buildings, and it describes the future vision for Jersey City’s historic downtown. The Journal Square Redevelopment Plan is characterized by transit and pedestrian oriented, sustainable development that exceeds Smart Growth Standards and promotes large scale development that will have a long term positive fiscal impact on the city. The redevelopment seeks to create the opportunity for more people to live, work, shop, and play in the downtown area.
Perth Amboy Gateway District
Vision Plan
A City Within A City
Prepared for: Perth Amboy
Redevelopment Agency (PARA)
The Vision Plan serves as an initial step towards re-envisioning the 54-acre Gateway District, a specified redevelopment zone within Perth Amboy’s city limits in New Jersey. The goal was to offer a visionary blueprint for a flexible, mixed-use district, ultimately establishing a unique and appealing destination within Perth Amboy.
Strategically positioned at the junction of northern New Jersey’s NYC metropolitan region and the state’s coastal communities, the Gateway District boasts accessibility via automobile, train, and potentially ferry. The vision plan outlines a holistic and cohesive live, work, and play setting, aimed at fostering economic growth in Perth Amboy while providing affordable housing, employment prospects, and social empowerment opportunities.
MetroPark @ NJ
Transit Development
Woodbridge, NJ
Prepared for: Russo Development + Terminal Construction + Onyx Equities
Located in Woodbridge, NJ’s Metropark Redevelopment Area, this 12.40-acre metroburb offers a transit-oriented, mixed-use urban experience. Combining metropolitan and suburban living elements, MetroPark features residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within a walkable community. The development aims to provide a self-sufficient environment where people can live, work, and play with minimal reliance on long commutes or personal vehicles.
MetroPark features housing options, office spaces, retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues, all designed to cater to various lifestyles. Green spaces and public transportation options are integrated into the design, literally elevating and promoting sustainability, accessibility, and a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
339 River Road Redevelopment
Edgewater, NJ
Prepared for: 339 River Road Holdings LLC
• 4,032 Residential Units
• 940,000 SF Retail & Restaurants
• 11,715 Parking Spaces
• 7 Acres Parks and Open Space
• 42 Acres Total Tract
Harbor Station North Redevelopment
City of Bayonne, NJ
Developer:
Fidelco Bayonne HSN LLC
• 12 Acres Gross Total Tract Area
• 450 Residential Units
• 810 Parking Spaces
• 12,000 SF Retail & Club
• Half Acre Community Park
Hoboken South Waterfront Redevelopment Plan
Hoboken, NJ
Prepared for: City of Hoboken and the Port Authority of NY & NJ
In Association with Arnold Wilday Landscape Architects
Twenty-six acres of disused riverfront shipping terminals and piers next to downtown Hoboken have been transformed into a vibrant, mixeduse waterfront neighborhood. This involved extending the existing city streets to the riverbank, creating three new development blocks.
A landscaped public esplanade along the riverfront aligns with the state’s waterfront walkway plan, and the abandoned piers have been repurposed into public parkland, offering views of the Manhattan skyline. To ensure architectural coherence throughout the project, design guidelines were established, allowing creative freedom while maintaining the historic character of Hoboken.
Hoboken North End Redevelopment Plan
Hoboken, NJ
Prepared for: Various Developers
• Approx. 2,000 Residential Units
• 17 Acres
• Elevated Linear park
• Street level plazas
• Approx. 60,000sf Commercial uses
Seymour Street Redevelopment
Montclair, NJ
Prepared for: The Pinnacle Companies + Brookfield + Ironstate Development
• 200 Residential Units
• 28,954 SF Retail Space
• 32,464 SF Office Space
• 10,000 SF Arts Space
• 435 Parking Spaces (collectively)
• 14,000 SF Public Pedestrian Plaza
Team: Arterial
* Multiple Award Winner
Garden Street Mews
Hoboken, NJ
Prepared for: Bijou Properties
A portion of Garden Street has been permanently shut down to vehicles, giving rise to Hoboken’s first pedestrian mall, The Garden Street Mews, which is home to a weekly local fresh produce farmer’s market. The Jersey Journal hailed this achievement as a remarkably successful “Hoboken’s First Pedestrian Mall.”
The Garden Street Mews is consistent with the Hoboken Master Plan because it accomplishes these specific goals:
• Enhance Hoboken’s walkability and pedestrian amenities
• Improve Hoboken streets
• Provide additional open space and recreation facilities
• Create outdoor places to socialize
• Create multi-use, multi-generational plazas serving a population
• Create “green streets”
• Create a green circuit in the city to link recreational and other amenities
• Reduce vehicles ability to cut through Hoboken
• Encourage the reuse of existing cobblestone streets
Madison Place
Madison, NJ
Prepared for: KRE Madison NJ
Urban Renewal, LLC + Mark Built Properties
• 5-Story
• 100 Rental Units
• 35 Condominium Units
• 4,282 SF Retail
• 3,001 SF Community Center
• 220 Parking Spaces
Team: Melillo+Bauer AssociatesLandscape Architecture
* NJ Builders Association Award Winner - Best Green Community
Vision 20/20 Hoboken Housing Authority
Hoboken, NJ
Prepared for: Hoboken Housing Authority
Vision 20/20 is a plan for Hoboken’s affordable housing transformation. Through a community-based approach, it addresses social issues and promises improved, sustainable living for HHA residents.
10-phase, 18-acre site features:
• 1,853 residential units
• Recreation, education, retail, and parking
The vision: a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with Hobokenscale buildings, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly corridors offering socio-economic growth opportunities and a better standard of living.
* New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award Winner
Existing Conditions
Phase 10
7 Seventy House
Hoboken, NJ
Prepared for: Bijou Properties
Mixed-Use:
• Overall acreage: 4.78 Acres
• 424 Residential Units
• 42 Affordable Units
• 657,851 sq ft (Both buildings)
• Approx. 26,000 sq ft of Retail
Public space:
• 6,835 sq ft multi-use Gymnasium
• 2 - One Acre Parks
• Open Grass Areas
• Large Pedestrian Plaza
• Children’s Playground
Resiliency Features:
• 500 Gallon Stormwater Detention Systems
• Green Roof
• Rain Gardens
* New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award Winner
7 Seventy House: Mixed-Use
1 Acre Public Park
1 Acre Public Park
Public Gymnasium
Liberty Harbor NorthTidewater Basin District Master Plan
Jersey City, NJ
Prepared for: Liberty Harbor Development LLC
• 20 acre site
• 8 high-rise Development Blocks
• 6,440 residential units
• Marina and extensive park space
Jersey City
Liberty Science Center
Liberty State Park
NYC
• 4,032 Residential Units
• 940,000 SF Retail & Restaurants
• 11,715 Parking Spaces
• 7 Acres Parks and Open Space
• 42 Acres Total Tract
Amerea Redevelopment Plan
Fort Lee, NJ
Prepared for: Panepinto Properties + Cheongwon America, Inc.
• 439 Residential Units
• 65,000 SF Retail & Entertainment
• 1,058 Parking Spaces
• 16 Acre site
• 5 Acres Open Space
Team:
A. Nelessen Associates
DA Global
6th Street Embankment Redevelopment Plan
Jersey City, NJ
Prepared for: Steven L. Hyman
• Residential & Recreation
Mixed-Use Concept
• 6 Acres of Elevated
Public Open Space
• Adaptive Re-Use of Existing Elevated Railroad Embankment
Urban Coastal Defense Plan
Jersey City + Hoboken, NJ
Jersey City and Hoboken are vulnerable to flooding from rising water levels and storm surge. To protect the area, a dike can be created, tying into the Palisades at Weehawken and continuing around Hoboken and Jersey City to Liberty State Park. This would create an affordable and aesthetically pleasing permanent solution to sea level rise and storm surge. The plan involves a concrete seawall behind the pier headline and reclaimed land, providing over 200 acres of high-value developable land. Based on conservative real estate values, this could create over $3 billion in real estate value in Hoboken and Jersey City, covering the cost of the structure. Around 50% of the land would be used for new waterfront parks and open space. Several engineering firms have reviewed the plan and agree that it is feasible. The seawall must resist direct storm surge, absorb wave energy, and retain an 8” rainfall over 48 hours.
Jersey City Hoboken
The Gardens at Matterhorn
Town of Ramapo, Village of New Hempstead in Rockland County, NY
Prepared for: Summit Hempstead LLC
• 1-3 Stories
• Lot Area: 33.5Acres
• 150 Residential Units
• 2,700 SF Community Wellness Pavilion
• 1,800 SF Community Gallery / Art Barn
• 2,500 SF Village Community Amenity
• 9,500 SF Community Clubhouse/Fitness Center
• 408 Parking Spaces
Speedwell Avenue
Redevelopment Plan
Morristown, NJ
Prepared for: Mill Creek
Residential Trust
Redevelopment Plan:
• 5 Phases
• 662 Residential Units + Retail
• Adopted: 2010
Building One: Modera 44 (top)
• 5-Story
• 144 Residential Units
• 357 Parking Spaces
Building Two: Modera 55 (bottom)
• 5-Story
• 185 Residential Units
• 261 Parking Spaces
Maxwell Place On The Hudson
Hoboken, NJ
Client: Hoboken Brownstone
Company + Toll Brothers
• 12-Stories
• 750 Residential Units
• 1,500 Parking Spaces
• 210,000 SF Retail Space
• 5 acres of Waterfront Public Park
* NJ Future Smart Growth Award
Pier Village
Long Branch, NJ
Prepared for: Applied Development Company
• 320 Residential Units
• 77,000 SQ of Retail
• 777 Parking Spaces
* NJ Governor’s Tourism Award
* APA NJ Great Places Award
Professional Overview
Connections
MHS collaborates closely with local communities, zoning and planning boards, legal specialists, marketing professionals, and FFE experts. Our comprehensive approach ensures that your project is not only financially viable but also resonates positively with the neighborhood. By prioritizing placemaking principles and integrating a strong sense of arrival, MHS offers creativity and depth of service, along with the local expertise needed to maximize the profitability of your project.
Quotes
Some of the commissioner’s comments include:
“What an incredible design and project. Loved the design. For sure, it’s a transformation, a great addition to Jersey City. The variances are justifiable. What a great job. I vote aye,”
“It’s an amazing project. I hope that it gets built soon. I’m proud to see that type of building go up in Journal Square,” The project was ultimately approved unanimously (5-0). Mayor Fulop speaks highly of MHS. “Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects have been essential to the growth and development of Jersey City,” he says, explaining, “They were engaged in collaboration with our Planning Department long before most developers believed the growth was even possible. They have had a hand in much of the progress over the last 25 years here in Jersey City and are extremely well respected.”
Professional Overview
References (contact info provided upon request)
Mr. Timothy Dougherty, Mayor
Town of Morristown
Mr. Steven Fulop, Mayor
City of Jersey City
Mr. Eliot Spitzer
Spitzer Enterprises
Mr. Chris Albanese
The Albanese Organization
Mr. Phil Abramson, PP
Topology
Mr. Gus Milano
Hartz Mountain Industries
Mr. Larry Bijou
Bijou Properties
Mr. Paul Silverman
Silverman: Building Neighborhoods
Mr. James Caulfield
Fields Grade Development
Mr. Raphael Mandelbaum
Lantree Developments
Clients
Advance Realty Investors
Albanese Organization
Alpine Residential
Applied Development Company
Bijou Properties
Boraie Development
Brookfield
Bushburg Properties
China Construction of America
Fields Grade Development
Garden Homes Development
Hampshire Companies
Hartz Mountain Industries
Hongkun USA
JMF Properties
K. Hovnanian Homes
KABR Group
Kushner Companies
Kushner Real Estate LLC
Lantree Developments
LeFrak
Liberty Harbor Development
Mark Built Homes
Metro Homes LLC
Mill Creek Residential Trust
Newport Development Associates
Paramount Assets
Related
Roseland Property Company
Russo Development
Shuster Development
Silverman Neighborhoods
Spitzer Enterprises
The Pinnacle Companies
The Rockefeller Group
Tishman Speyer
Toll Brothers City Living