Calling the late, great New Jersey actor James Gandolfini the patron saint of Park Ridge, Mayor Keith Misciagna, other municipal officials and principals from Claremont Development cut the ribbon on The James, a new upscale rental community they said stands as a beacon of the borough’s evolution while honoring its most famous hometown hero.
Misciagna paid tribute to Gandolfini’s son, Michael Gandolfini, and more than two dozen other members of the Gandolfini family while doing the honors.
“To make this day even more special is to have the Gandolfini family here,” Misciagna said. “Jim is the patron saint of Park Ridge and, Michael, you’re everyone’s nephew in town.
“Jim is such a point of pride for our community, and we’re always looking for ways to honor his legacy.”
The James, a collection of 240 studio, one- and two-bedroom residences, is the culmination of a 10-year plan to redevelop a large tract of underutilized — and dilapidated — property.
Claremont officials said rental rates start at $1,965 — and that more than 50% of the property already is leased.
Located at 87 Madison Ave., surrounded by parks, shops, and restaurants, The James was designed to take full advantage of its lively downtown location, Claremont officials said.
The five-story building includes a full complement of indoor and outdoor amenities that have been curated to maximize resident recreation, relaxation and work-from-home productivity. It also delivers 17,600 square feet of street-level retail space to the heart of downtown Park Ridge, including a public plaza that serves as a natural gathering place.
Richard Sciaretta, managing partner of Claremont Development, said The James reflects the firm’s commitment to enhancing the communities in which they develop.
“We shared a collective vision with Mayor Misciagna and local officials on how to unlock the intrinsic value of this property by creating a new, modern lifestyle option that is appealing to both existing and new residents,” Sciaretta said. “We believe The James realizes that vision, and we’re delighted with how quickly it has connected with residents.”
The generously sized homes offer open floor plans, 9’ ceilings, luxury plank flooring and modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, a gas range, quartz countertops, espresso cabinetry and a full-height tiled backsplash. Baths boast hotel-style details such as gray tiled floors, quartz countertops and full-height tiled wet walls. All homes also include complimentary window treatments and in-unit washer & dryer. Private outdoor balconies and terraces and spacious den layouts are available in select residences.
Claremont Development integrated a wide array of amenities and services into the overall lifestyle it offers at The James, ensuring residents have plenty of room to spread out and take advantage of their surroundings. Interior amenities include multiple entertainment lounges, a tasting room with catering kitchen, a coworking lounge with private offices and a coffee bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a yoga studio. Outside, a summer retreat awaits at the community’s resort-style plunge pool, complemented by BBQ and dining areas, firepits, outdoor television & lounge areas and a turf lawn. The James also includes a pet spa, Butterfly video intercom system, covered on-site parking, 24/7 on-site maintenance and bicycle and resident storage.
