PARK RIDGE—A crowd of residents and stakeholders filled the luxury lobby lounge at The James on Aug. 3, taking in the new upscale rental community that its developer says “stands as a beacon of the borough’s evolution while honoring its most famous hometown hero.”
Guests included nearly two dozen family and friends of the late actor James Gandolfini, a local son made good — widely known for his producing and acting, his lead role on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” and his generosity — and the building’s namesake.
Michael Gandolfini, James’ son and a rising star in his own right, joined Mayor Keith Misciagna, other municipal officials, and principals from Claremont Development in cutting a ceremonial ribbon marking “the heralded addition to the borough’s housing landscape,” a collection of 240 studio, one- and two-bedroom residences.
Claremont Development told Pascack Press half is leased, with a number of residents moved in.
Officials lauded The James’ development team “for transforming the dilapidated property on Madison Avenue into a vibrant new community that will benefit generations to come.”
It includes street-level retail space, structured parking, and a public plaza. The project, replacing a waste transfer station, is helping the borough meet its state-mandated affordable housing obligations. Its developer is contributing toward a community center.
Misciagna said, “This is a great celebration today. So many people were involved in making this project happen. From Mike DiBella who started talking to me about his vision for redeveloping this area 10 years ago to Don Schwamb and the Planning Board to the Building Department, Borough Council and of course the Sciaretta family and Claremont Development.”
He added, “Thank you all for your expertise. This beautiful residential building is the fruit of all your labors.”
The mayor said, “To make this day even more special is to have the Gandolfini family here. 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.”
James Gandolfini graduated Park Ridge High School, where he played basketball and acted in school plays, in 1979. He later graduated Rutgers University and embarked on an award-winning career in theater and film. His run as Tony Soprano is hailed as one of the finest performances in television history.
In 2013, at 51, he died of a heart attack in Rome. Later that year a stretch of Park Avenue near the intersection at Kinderkamack Road — by The Ridge Diner — was dedicated to him.
Located at 87 Madison Ave. surrounded by parks, shops, and restaurants, The James was designed to take full advantage of its lively downtown location, with the needs of today’s sophisticated suburban renter in mind.
Promotional materials tout downtown Park Ridge as “meander[ing] through the thoroughfares of Kinderkamack Road and Park Avenue as well as quieter, pedestrian-focused lanes such as Hawthorne Avenue.”
It says “Small-town charm emanates from its community diner, local juice bar, cake bakery, fitness studios and cycle shop that doubles as an espresso bar. Its restaurant scene is varied and robust, with cuisines ranging from steakhouse classics to Italian specialties, authentic Greek food, and Irish pub fare.”
Downtown, it says, “also is also home to national brands such as Starbucks” and that numerous parks, lakefront walking paths, farm stands, golf courses, dog parks, hiking trails and other outdoor pursuits are just a short drive away in Park Ridge and neighboring towns.
The five-story building includes a 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, told Pascack Press, “The James reflects our commitment to the Borough of Park Ridge and our core philosophy of enhancing the host communities in which we develop.”
He said, “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. We believe The James realizes that vision, and we’re delighted with how quickly it has connected with residents.”
Property management firm Bozzuto says The James offers residents a collection of studio, one- and two-bedroom residences at monthly rental rates starting from $1,965, with limited-time grand opening incentives of up to half a month free on a 12-month lease or up to one month free on a 24-month lease. Immediate occupancy is available.
Bozzuto says “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.”
It adds, “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 said it integrated a wide array of amenities and services into the overall lifestyle it offers at The James, “ensuring that 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 co-working lounge with private offices and a coffee bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a yoga studio.
“Outside, the ultimate summer retreat awaits at the community’s resort-style plunge pool, complemented by BBQ and dining areas, firepits, outdoor television and lounge areas, and a turf lawn,” we’re told.
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.
For more information, visit TheJamesParkRidge.com.