Our Lens

The Hampshire Companies, Claremont Companies and Circle Squared Alternative Investments Celebrate Groundbreaking of University Place in Jersey City

Phase One of the University Place Master Redevelopment Plan Commences with Construction of 163 Luxury Rental Units and 10,000-Sq.-Ft of Retail
Jersey City, N.J.

The Hampshire Companies, together with their joint venture partner, Claremont Companies, and project investment advisor, Circle Squared Alternative Investments, celebrated the groundbreaking of the first phase of a master redevelopment plan for the west campus of New Jersey City University (NJCU) yesterday. The groundbreaking commences the first of two mixed-use projects the partners are developing, with the initial project creating 163 market-rate units and approximately 10,000 square feet of transformative retail on West Side Avenue. The development, named University Place, aims to create a unique sense of place between NJCU’s main campus and the adjacent neighborhood. Occupancy for the first project is slated for 2017.

The site is located one-third of a mile from a Bergen Hudson Light Rail stop, providing access to the waterfront and Hoboken as well as the opportunity to transfer to the PATH train for easy access to New York City. On-site and street parking will also be added along the corner of Stegman Boulevard and West Side Avenue.

The master redevelopment plan will total eight buildings including a 100,000-square-foot performing arts center / academic building. In conjunction with the groundbreaking, officials from NJCU held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open its West Campus Village Residence Hall, a 425-bed undergraduate student housing complex.

“This project will transform NJCU’s west campus into a modern urban community with expanded access to retail and local amenities,” said Norman Feinstein, Vice Chairman of The Hampshire Companies.  “Jersey City continues to evolve into place that people live, work, play and learn and University Place is an integral part of the continued evolution of the city. Through the vision and support of NJCU, Jersey City’s elected leadership, Claremont Companies, and Circle Squared Alternative Investments, we are bringing that vision to life and creating a vibrant community destination for residents and students.” 

In addition to the 163 luxury residential units and 10,000-square-foot retail, the five-story phase one development will include 177 structured parking spaces, two bike terminals and over 25,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor amenity space. The luxury residential units will consist of 27 studio apartments, 112 one-bedroom, and 24 two-bedroom units ranging from 550 square feet to 1,300 square feet.   

“This transformative project will offer all of the luxury and lifestyle amenities of comparable waterfront/downtown properties at affordable price points,” added Richard Sciaretta, Director, for Claremont Companies.

“Our investors recognize Jersey City as one of the best and most developer friendly markets in the country for mixed-use residential and retail development and understand the importance of working with partners like Hampshire and Claremont,” said Jeffrey Sica, Founder and President of Circle Squared Alternative Investments. “The opportunity this development offers our investors is a chance to be a part of something that will completely transform a neighborhood. At Circle Squared, we do more than connect investors to real estate deals managed by the best in the business, we connect them with the communities that these development projects enhance.”

The remaining phases of development for University Place are expected to be completed and available for occupancy in 2018.

To stay connected with The Hampshire Companies and for updates on the latest transactions and news follow Hampshire on Facebook (www.facebook.com/hampshireco), Twitter (@hampshireco), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/the-hampshire-companies).

To stay connected with Circle Squared Alternative Investments and to learn more about alternative investments in real estate please visit www.circlesquaredalts.com or follow Circle Squared on Twitter (@CSQalts) and on LinkedIn at (ww.linkedin.com/company/circle-squared-alternative-investments).

To stay connected with Claremont Companies follow them on The News Funnel at www.thenewsfunnel.com/company/claremont-companies.

About The Hampshire Companies
The Hampshire Companies is a full-service, private real estate investment firm based in Morristown, New Jersey.  The Hampshire Companies is a vibrant, dynamic organization that combines creative vision and superior execution, thereby enabling it to create and enhance value in real estate investments.  Additional information on the Hampshire Companies is available online at www.hampshirere.com.

About Claremont Companies

Claremont Companies is a third generation, fully integrated principal development and general construction firm focused on transit-oriented and downtown urban multi-family/mixed-use projects throughout New Jersey and the Metropolitan Area. Claremont’s ability to leverage the synergies between its real estate development and general construction platforms translates to a streamlined process from site acquisition through entitlements and delivery. For more information on Claremont please visit www.claremont-companies.com.  

About Circle Squared Alternative Investments
Circle Squared Alternative Investments is a firm devoted to providing independent financial advisors with access to a range of innovative alternative investments previously available only to institutions and ultra-high net-worth investors. The suite of investment products will include real estate, private equity, private credit, natural resources, private placement offerings, entertainment and media. In addition, the firm’s team will serve as coaches and mentors to advisors, helping them to better understand and communicate to their clients the role and advantages of alternative investments in a portfolio. For more information about Circle Squared, visit www.circlesquaredalts.com.

Important Disclosure:
This press release contains general information that is not suitable for everyone.  The information contained herein should not be construed as personalized investment advice.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed in this press release will come to pass.  Investing in the stock market involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors.  Information presented herein is subject to change without notice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Circle Squared Alternative Investments, LLC (“CSQ”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of New Jersey.  CSQ and its representatives are in compliance with the current registration and notice filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which CSQ maintains clients.  CSQ may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements.  This brochure is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its investment advisory services.  Any subsequent, direct communication by CSQ with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides.  For information pertaining to the registration status of CSQ, please contact CSQ or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure web site (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).

For additional information about CSQ, including fees and services, request our disclosure statement as set forth on Form ADV from CSQ by contacting us at 973-532-6840.  Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.

Media Contact:
Tiffany Miller
R&J Strategic Communications  
908-722-5757
tmiller@randjsc.com

For renderings please visit: http://bit.ly/2cpYSQU