Pop-up photo studios for pets … dog park takeovers … pet parties — all designed for pets to have fun and for residents to come together in a social setting and get to know their neighbors, humans and animals alike.
It’s quite a concept. And, once you get past the cliched jokes — the ones saying this place is “for the dogs” or asking, “Who let the dogs out?” — you can get to the business case for Bay 151, dubbed Bayonne’s first “Bark Building.”
Simply put, the luxury rental community on the Bayonne waterfront by Kushner Real Estate Group was created with the idea that being pet friendly in a way few other buildings are will increase the desirability of the building for pet owners.
That’s the way Mary Cricco, regional leasing manager of the KRE Group, sees it.
“We’re excited to expand the many the pet-friendly amenities we offer at Bay 151 by becoming Bayonne’s first ‘Bark Building,’” she said. “Bay 151 is attracting residents who want to live a well-connected, amenity-rich lifestyle on the Bayonne waterfront, and, for many of them, the pet-friendly atmosphere is a big part of their decision to live here.”
The concept isn’t new. In fact, it has had great success in Jersey City and elsewhere in the country. But Bay 151 is the first such community in New Jersey that is outside of Jersey City.
Bay 151 will provide a wide variety of dog- and cat-focused amenities and services aimed at enhancing the lifestyle of residents and their pets. Among the perks for residents:
- Access to a pet concierge;
- Human-grade dog treats in the lobby;
- Special pet welcome packages;
- A custom microsite where residents can create pet profiles and share community news.
About Bay 151
Located in a fast-growing neighborhood on Bayonne’s waterfront peninsula, Bay 151 by the KRE Group offers 413 luxury rental residences — which includes a brand-new building with 213 apartments — and more than 65,000 square feet of amenities on a scenic, 16-acre property overlooking New York Harbor. The community also boasts 10,000 square feet of retail space.
Monthly rents at Bay 151 start from $1,960 for studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences — including some with unique loft-style floor plans. Immediate occupancy is available.
The floor plans feature high-style finishes and upscale appointments, including floor-to-ceiling windows, plank flooring throughout living areas, central air conditioning and heat, full size in-unit washer & dryer, extended closet spaces and Kohler bathroom fixtures. Modern kitchens offer stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, custom cabinetry, bianco quartz countertops and a white tile backsplash.
Danit Zivan, the co-founder and chief operating officer of Bark Buildings, considers Bay 151 a perfect fit for the concept because the KRE Group’s commitment to elevating the resident experience dovetails with Bark Buildings’ philosophy of building stronger communities by leveraging — and pampering — residents’ pets.
“KRE Group has been a great partner for us,” she said. “We’ve been working with them for two-and-a-half years, and we are in all of their Jersey City buildings. So, naturally, when the opportunity to expand into Bayonne at a KRE Group-owned building came up, we jumped at the opportunity.”
As part of the new amenity offering, KRE Group and Bark Buildings are installing new signage with pet parenting tips and information on pet etiquette. Residents can reach out to Bay 151’s pet concierge for information on local day care and dog-walking providers, behavior and training advice, product recommendations and even pet adoption assistance. Bark Buildings will also offer cat-focused services and programs for dogs who aren’t as good at socializing. Bay 151’s pet of the month program will launch soon as well, with the winner’s photo featured around the building.
“Even if you don’t own a pet, this can enhance your quality of life,” Zivan said. “In the end, this program benefits everyone, because the residents are better pet owners, they’re happier and they’re more likely to stay if their pet is happy, too.”
