Roseland Property Co.'s Estuary Focuses on Harmonious Living

By Keith Loria, Contributing Writer

Weehawken, N.J.—When Hartz Mountain Industries and Roseland Property Co. announced their partnership to build The Estuary, a planned 589-unit residential complex on the waterfront in Weehawken last December, they said things would be different.

Judging by the groundbreaking ceremony at 1600 Harbor Blvd., which included a bowl of rice and some rose petals instead of the machinery and hardhats that normally begin construction, it appears that statement was correct.

“Our design incorporates the natural elements from the Hudson River tidal estuary, ensuring that the building and surrounding grounds will be a seamless union of environmental conservation, creating a haven from the stresses people encounter throughout the day,” Roseland’s vice president of development Debra Tantleff tells MHN. “The entire project is designed in a complete comprehensive cohesive manner, so you are benefiting from all components—from location to how waterfront living translates in a home.”

By bringing internationally known Feng Shui expert Alex Stark to consult on the project, Roseland aims to ensure the finished product is a harmonious space for employees, residents and guests.

“We have a large representation of an Asian demographic, but Feng Shui seeps into the larger culture,” Tantleff says. “It looks at the orientation of the site and physical location and proximity to water. Feng Shui looks at how to identify the positives of the site and use design elements to compensate for the negatives.”

The name Estuary was chosen because it evokes images of serene waters, and that was woven through the plans for the building.

“Our goal is to create a haven from the stresses of the outside world for those who choose to live with us,” Roseland managing partner Carl Goldber said in a press release. “The beauty of the space will get people’s attention, but the calmness they will feel from our attention to the elements will inspire them to ultimately set down roots here.”

Taking this into account, the design team utilized materials that represented a more earthy and tranquil feel and integrated elements of leisure, water and sky into the building. To accomplish this, features like bamboo flooring, a cherry blossom pattern in the carpet and earthy colors were included in the design.

“Even the stones and granite marble in the lobby have this beautiful movement of blues and greens, making it feel like a body of water,” Tantleff says. “We incorporated the architectural, interior and Feng Shui designs to create a comfortable character for the building.”

When finished, the Estuary will consist of three buildings, one eight stories high, and two others six stories high. Construction of the 181-unit first building is scheduled to start at the end of February and the second will follow in spring. The final building will begin sometime next year.

Amenities in the project include concierge service, a pool deck with barbecue grill and hot tub, spa, fitness center, billiards lounge, theater, kids game room and a private party room that residents can utilize.

The first two buildings are projected to be complete in the latter portion of 2013.