If these two new rental apartments were in Montclair, Bloomfield or any other Baristaville municipality, they wouldn’t really be newsworthy, but the fact that they’re coming to “downtown” Glen Ridge is worth a mention. While hardly a bustling “bright lights” setting, the units bring rental possibility to the central commercial location for the first time since 1999. From here, you can easily get just about anywhere in the world without a car, yet retain a small town Jersey lifestyle.
Just two blocks from the train station, one block from the bus, and literally in the back yard of the town’s shops, nightlife, pharmacy, yoga studio and auto mechanic extraordinaire , these two units are just coming on the market. One is ready for occupancy and the second will be available for August 1.
Leased as offices since the entire commercial area was purchased by The Bittan Group more than 10 years ago, the apartments were approved as residential space by the zoning board last November. “Whenever there’s a change in a neighborhood, there’s a NIMBY reaction from locals, but no one objected to this,” said Holly Hunter, who manages the GR properties for Bittan. “It’s good for the town to mix commercial and residential space, and it falls into the town’s planning focus of being a “livable city.”
One unit, 855 Bloomfield Avenue (pictured above), is a newly-renovated 1,250 square foot space on the second floor of a self-standing building behind the Arcade. “It’s perfect for a single person with a home office,” said Hunter. She said that the space is comparable to that of a 3 bedroom, and is listed at $1,650 per month. From the bathroom, there’s an unobstructed view of Hurrell field, making it a prime spot during football season. There’s even a small yard space on the side, big enough for a hammock or grill.
The second apartment, currently undergoing a major renovation, is a large 3 bedroom in a historic building adjacent to Fitzgerald’s 1928 (the yellow house shown at right). It is 1,700 square feet, offers a loft-like great room, 3 bedrooms and a spacious bath. The exact price hasn’t been set yet, but Hunter said it would rent for around $2,200/month and will be available for occupancy on August 1.
“This space is perfect for a commuting couple, someone with a home office, or empty-nesters who want to stay in the neighborhood but rid themselves of their big house,” said Hunter. “Maybe it could be a pied a terre for folks who’ve moved away but want to keep roots near family and friends.” Not sure that GR is prime pied a terre material, but who knows.
Want to move in (or at least take a look)? Contact Holly Hunter at 917-239-0567.
