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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Jersey City, NJ
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Saint Peter's University in Jersey City to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Jersey City, NJ is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Jersey City. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Liberty State Park in Jersey City, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Jersey City.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Jersey City, NJ
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Peace Care St Josephs in Jersey City for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Jersey City, NJ, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Jersey City?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Jersey City, NJ, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Jersey City restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Jersey City, NJ, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Jersey City, NJ
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Jersey City, NJ, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Battello in Jersey City. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Jersey City rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Jersey City, NJ
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day 2024 in Hoboken + Jersey City
Hoboken Girl Teamhttps://www.hobokengirl.com/restaurants-open-thanksgiving-day-2024-hoboken-jersey-city-nj/
November has arrived and Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, which means it’s time to start preparing for dinner plans. For those who prefer to dine out on the holiday, Hudson County has plenty of options. From fine dining establishments that will prepare a pre-fixe Thanksgiving menu to cozy spots that will serve customer favorites, The Hoboken Girl has compiled a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving day l...
November has arrived and Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, which means it’s time to start preparing for dinner plans. For those who prefer to dine out on the holiday, Hudson County has plenty of options. From fine dining establishments that will prepare a pre-fixe Thanksgiving menu to cozy spots that will serve customer favorites, The Hoboken Girl has compiled a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving day locally. Read on to learn more about the Hoboken + Jersey City restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day 2024.
Hoboken
Hours: 12PM-4PM
Special Menu: This restaurant will provide a separate Thanksgiving menu starting the week before the holiday. Details have not been announced yet, but The Ainsworth encourages customers to visit the website on Thursday, November 21st for details.
Read More: 11 Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Week Activities in Hoboken and Jersey City
Hours: 5PM-9PM
Special Menu: For the month of November, Byrd will serve a Thanksgiving menu that includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and potato rolls. The whole turkey is priced at $350 and feeds six to eight people. Customers can choose to dine in or order for takeout.
Hours: 12PM-9PM
Special Menu: The details have yet to be posted on Del Frisco’s website, but guests can expect Thanksgiving specials and a pre-fixe menu, including a three-course turkey dinner. The menu will be announced here, so check back for updates.
Hours: 1PM-7:30PM
Special Menu: This restaurant will serve a four-course meal on Thanksgiving. Appetizer options include a locally-sourced beet salad, butternut squash soup, scallop carpaccio, or turkey confit fritters. For the main course, customers have various options to choose from, including the Local Heritage Turkey Breast, the Fall Mushroom Agnolotti, and more. There will also be special options for family-style sides, wine, and dessert. The dinner is priced at $79 a person, with children 12 and under priced at $35.
Hours: 11:30AM-10:30PM
Hours: 11AM-9:30PM
Hours: Begins at 11AM
Special Menu: Mario’s Classic Pizza has served a free traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 25+ years. This year, locals can expect a similar meal, including turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and a variety of pies. Customers are encouraged to come early, as the food supply runs out quickly.
Jersey City
Hours: 1PM-8PM
Special Menu: Bistro La Source will serve a variety of dishes on Thanksgiving. From fall favorites like the goat cheese croquette and autumn fruit salad or the farmhouse vegetable soup to turkey + country ham trimmings sourced from Goffle Farms in Wyckoff, there are plenty of options for everyone.
Hours: 11AM-2PM
Hours: 11:30AM-10PM
Special Menu: This spot will serve limited Thanksgiving specials in addition to the restaurant’s à la carte menu. The details have not been announced yet, but Fire + Oak has confirmed that a classic turkey should be expected.
Hours: 5PM-9PM
Special Menu: This restaurant will prepare a three-course Thanksgiving special for $75 a person. The first course will include a rum-spiced butternut squash soup or an arugula salad. The second course will be a roasted turkey with rosemary gravy, au gratin, stuffing + duck confit, and more. Customers can expect a pistachio and pumpkin tiramisu for dessert.
Hours: 4PM-9PM
Bonus
Hours: 1PM-9PM
Special Menu: This restaurant will have a pre-fixe menu on Thanksgiving. For $69 a person, customers can choose from a large selection of options, including a free-range turkey, house-made pasta, a 16-ounce Prime Delmonico steak, and more. There will also be various dessert options, such as carrot cake, pumpkin pie, flourless s’mores cake, and spiced panna cotta. See here for the full menu.
See More: Where to Order Thanksgiving Pies in Montclair + Beyond
Hours: 11AM-9PM
Special Menu: This waterfront restaurant will serve a classic Thanksgiving dinner for dine-in or take-out. The first course includes options like lobster bisque, chopped salad, New England clam chowder, and more. The second course consists of three entre options, one being a traditional holiday dinner with a butter + sage roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberry relish, and more. Customers can choose from pecan or pumpkin pie, cheesecake, or Chef’s Dessert for dessert. See the full menu here.
Where to Vote in Jersey City for the 2024 Election
Lauren Riverahttps://www.hobokengirl.com/where-to-vote-jersey-city-new-jersey/
It’s essential to be informed about all aspects of the voting process, including how and where to cast your vote and what to bring. On Tuesday, November 5th, multiple locations across Jersey City will open from 6AM to 8PM for residents to vote in person in the 2024 Election for President, as well as local polling questions and races. Read on for a guide to voting locations on Election Day in Jersey City, Ne...
It’s essential to be informed about all aspects of the voting process, including how and where to cast your vote and what to bring. On Tuesday, November 5th, multiple locations across Jersey City will open from 6AM to 8PM for residents to vote in person in the 2024 Election for President, as well as local polling questions and races. Read on for a guide to voting locations on Election Day in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Jersey City residents can cast their vote on Tuesday, November 5th, from 6AM to 8PM.
Read More: Where to Vote in Hoboken 2024: Your Guide to Polling Locations
The Hudson County Clerk has provided sample ballots for the 2024 Election. Voters should see forms six and seven for a glimpse of what tomorrow’s ballots will look like. See here for the 2024 Election sample ballots. The Hudson County Clerk has also provided guides on using voting machines. See here for the detailed instructions.
For those who have already cast their vote via the mail-in option, you can track your mail-in ballot here or call E. Junior Maldonado, County Clerk, at 201-369-3470; John Brzozowski, Deputy Superintendent of Elections and Commissioner of Registration, at 201-369-7740; or Michael Harper, Board of Elections, at 201-369-3435.
Those who have voted in previous elections will not be required to show their ID for in-person voting. (However, it is still important to bring it in case!) Those who are voting for the first time in Hudson County registered to vote by mail or didn’t provide an ID number or copy of ID when they registered are encouraged to attach a copy of their ID to the ballot or bring one of the following tomorrow:
Polling locations in Jersey City are divided by Wards A to E.
In 2022, The Hudson County Clerk provided maps of each Jersey City ward for residents’ convenience. Please note that this is the most up-to-date version online.
Jersey City residents can only visit their assigned polling location on Election Day. Enter your address in the official polling place search database to find your polling location.
Contact the County Clerk’s Office with any questions or concerns regarding your voting location.
For Hoboken residents, see our guide to polling locations here. Montclair residents can also find their polling locations at this link.
See More: In-Person Voting Locations in Montclair
To stay in the know with all of the local news, follow @thejerseycitygirl on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories in your inbox here.
Looks Like Sweetgreen is Coming to Hoboken, New Jersey
Samantha Impagliahttps://www.hobokengirl.com/sweetgreen-hoboken-nj/
After opening its first New Jersey outpost in Jersey City in 2020, it looks like the popular salad chain Sweetgreen will be making its way to the Mile Square. An application on an upcoming Hoboken Historic Preservation Committee meeting agenda points to Sweetgreen coming to 218 Washington Street in Hoboken. Read on for what we know so far about Sweetgreen’s arrival in Hoboken, New Jersey.The Mond...
After opening its first New Jersey outpost in Jersey City in 2020, it looks like the popular salad chain Sweetgreen will be making its way to the Mile Square. An application on an upcoming Hoboken Historic Preservation Committee meeting agenda points to Sweetgreen coming to 218 Washington Street in Hoboken. Read on for what we know so far about Sweetgreen’s arrival in Hoboken, New Jersey.
The Monday, November 4th Hoboken Historic Preservation Committee meeting agenda revealed an application for Sweetgreen at 218 Washington Street. Some of the items included in the application are changes to signage, general repairs/restoration, and other architectural plans. The space at 218 Washington Street was formerly home to DryBar, a national blow-dry studio chain. Hoboken’s DryBar location closed in early 2024.
As of this writing, no opening date has been set. We’ve reached out to Sweetgreen and will update this post with any additional comments.
Read More: Urban Market Hoboken Planning for November Opening on Washington
In August 2020, Sweetgreen opened its first New Jersey store in Jersey City. Just a few months later in October 2020, Sweetgreen hosted a pop-up ‘outpost’ on wheels at 5th and Hudson in Hoboken — but this is the first we’re hearing about a permanent brick-and-mortar location. The Hoboken outpost will mark its second in Hudson County.
Sweetgreen will join several other salad spots on Hoboken’s Washington Street. Alfalfa is located at 1110 Washington. Just Salad is just down the road at 114 Washington, as is Honeygrow at 120 Washington. Quality Greens Kitchen is right near the forthcoming Sweetgreen location at 227 Washington. GTK is located at 1014 Washington. Alfalfa is located at 1110 Washington. While not salad, Shaka Kitchen at 110 Washington is a great choice for healthy eats.
Sweetgreen opened up its first location in Washington, D.C. in 2007, and has since expanded to over 200 locations across the United States, with stores in 23 states. There are currently seven in New Jersey. The NJ storefronts are located in Hackensack, Jersey City, Marlton, Montclair, Montvale, Morristown, and Shrewsbury.
This popular salad chain serves up a variety of salads and bowls and is described as fresh, plant-forward, earth-friendly food.
Some of the highlights on the menu include a chicken pesto parm bowl with roasted chicken, spicy broccoli, tomatoes, shaved parmesan, za’atar breadcrumbs, warm quinoa, baby spinach, Sweetgreen hot sauce, and pesto vinaigrette; a guacamole greens salad with roasted chicken, avocado, tomatoes, red onions, shredded cabbage, tortilla chips, spring mix, chopped romaine, lime squeeze, and lime cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette; and a garden cobb salad with avocado, hard-boiled egg, roasted sweet potatoes, tomatoes, red onions, blue cheese, roasted almonds, spring mix, chopped romaine, and balsamic vinaigrette. Sweetgreen also sells a variety of local items, sides, drinks, and more. You can browse the full menu here.
See More: Where to Get the Best Salads in the Montclair Area
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City news, and sign up for our newsletter that shares all of our top stories to your inbox here.
Sign of the times for new Journal Square: Iconic Loew’s Jersey marquee destroyed to make way for digital sign
Teri Westhttps://www.nj.com/hudson/2024/11/sign-of-the-times-for-new-journal-square-iconic-loews-jersey-marquee-destroyed-to-make-way-for-digital-sign.html
The marquee displayed on the historic Loew‘s Jersey theater up until a few weeks ago may not have been the original, but it was the theater‘s most longstanding ― an enduring, iconic symbol of a time when Journal Square was the center of Jersey City’s universe.For 75 years, it was the signage that greeted everyone who passed through Jersey City’s Journal Square since the 1950s. Now, the historic sign is history.Construction crews working on a $105 million project to convert the theater into an A-list en...
The marquee displayed on the historic Loew‘s Jersey theater up until a few weeks ago may not have been the original, but it was the theater‘s most longstanding ― an enduring, iconic symbol of a time when Journal Square was the center of Jersey City’s universe.
For 75 years, it was the signage that greeted everyone who passed through Jersey City’s Journal Square since the 1950s. Now, the historic sign is history.
Construction crews working on a $105 million project to convert the theater into an A-list entertainment venue sliced it into pieces over the past few weeks as they began its removal.
The plan to take down the large, rectangular sign wasn’t new. The theater ― which hosted everything from performances from huge stars to community holiday parties since it opened nearly 100 years ago ― will feature a new digital marquee will replicate the original 1929 sign.
The entertainment venue is one part of the massive Journal Square makeover that includes neck-straining skyscrapers and the controversial Pompidou modern art museum project. This isn‘t your grandfather’s, or even your father’s, Journal Square any longer.
Surprised. Depressed. Stunned. Local preservationistssay they’ve gone through every emotion.
They say the decision to destroy, rather than salvage, the marquee ― which featured a letterboard sandwiched between “Jersey Loew’s” in neon cursive neon letters ― is an alarming step in the renovation and a potential warning sign that the building’s history isn’t being adequately considered.
“When you see construction workers smashing the Loew’s name into bits … even if you’re not from Jersey City or if you’re not a preservationist, you’ve got to stop and wonder what’s wrong here,” said John Gomez, a board member of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy and a columnist for The Jersey Journal. “If you have a preservation heart you’ll stop and say, ‘What kind of city is this that’s allowing this to happen?’”
The city indicated that it never intended to salvage the marquee, saying that it wasn’t historic because it wasn’t the very original marquee.
It insisted that the proper care is being taken with the theater’s interior renovations, which are far less visible to both the public traversing the square and local preservationists.
“That is the purpose of this project — to restore and preserve every possible aspect of theater’s interior and exterior that is salvageable,” said city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione. “This includes countless small, but important details such as the decorative filagree in the bathrooms.”
But to the preservationist community, the marquee is a part of Jersey City history that deserved to be saved, regardless of whether it was the very first marquee when the theater opened in 1929.
The renovations of the Loew’s will return the historic theater to regular public use, now as a live music venue operated by Devils Arena Entertainment, the same company that runs White Eagle Hall and Prudential Center. The deal was struck in 2021, with the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency contributing $7.5 million of the projected $72 million price tag, both numbers that have increased by the millions since then.
In recent years, the marquee’s white letterboard, bordered by light bulbs that illuminated from below, often displayed community messages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Friends of the Loew’s put up an “in memoriam” for “Councilman Michael Yun and everyone else we have lost.”
It celebrated graduations when they could not be held in person. When it was still showing movies, the titles were available front and center for anyone passing on Kennedy Boulevard to read.
The theater is beloved for its history and elegance. At the time of its opening, movie palaces like the Loew’s — cavernous with chandeliers and stages — drew live entertainers like Duke Ellington in addition to screening new films. The Loew’s was one of five of its era that the Loew’s Corporation built in the tri-state area.
It had its final film screening in 1986 and was headed toward demolition before the non-profit Friends of the Loew’s saved it and proceeded to lease it from the city for decades, hosting occasional events and screenings.
The group, which performed painstaking preservation work and held programming at the theater since the 1990s, was given the opportunity to work with the redeveloper to save parts of the building, per a 2020 request for proposals when the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency was soliciting a redeveloper.
The city said Friends of the Loew’s had told the city exactly what it wanted preserved and that the city is preserving all of those items for the group, implying that the marquee was not included.
Friends of the Loew’s actually provided the city with two lists: one of loose items to be preserved before any construction work and another of pieces of the building itself that should be archived once they’re removed during construction, said Friends of the Loew’s Executive Director Colin Egan.
He declined to share whether the marquee was on the second list, but said he couldn’t say it lacks historic importance.
“That marquee has been the face of the Loew’s and an iconic presence in Journal Square for 75 years,” Egan said. “Everyone who knows the Loew’s and the Square knows it. So even though it’s not original to the theater, it has become historically important in its own way.”
The original marquee was arched over the doorways, with “Loew’s Jersey” at the center top and letterboards below. It stayed there, albeit with a slight alteration, for just 20 years before the second version was installed in 1949.
“That was typical for theaters in the post-war era,” Egan said. “They were often updating, modernizing.”
That marquee remained for the next 75 years, with the Friends of the Loew’s renovating it after some damage. The new marquee will be a digital reimaging of the original marquee.
Gomez said that though the preservationist community is angered by how the marquee’s removal was handled, he hopes that it can open a dialogue with the city about best practices moving forward.
“They have to make meaningful movements now like, ‘Hey, we’re going to reassure you that this was a one-off incident, it was a mistake, we take responsibility for the mistake, it won’t happen again and in fact we want you involved with us,’” Gomez said. “Now that’s a wish list I know, but the ball’s in their court. Now they need to show us that it won’t happen again.”
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PHOTOS: Happy Halloween In Jersey City
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/jersey-city/sections/arts-and-entertainment/articles/photos-happy-halloween-in-jersey-city
JERSEY CITY, NJ- Jersey City celebrated Halloween with a number of events, plenty of candy given out, and a variety of fun and spooky costumes worn across the City on Thursday.TAPinto Jersey City stopped by the 7th Annual Ward A Trunk or Treat at Columbia Park to witness the family-friendly Halloween festivities hosted by Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley as well as the annual Spook-Tacular Halloween Trunk or Treat hosted by Council President Joyce Watterman on Dwight Street between Bergen Avenue and MLK Drive.“It’s...
JERSEY CITY, NJ- Jersey City celebrated Halloween with a number of events, plenty of candy given out, and a variety of fun and spooky costumes worn across the City on Thursday.
TAPinto Jersey City stopped by the 7th Annual Ward A Trunk or Treat at Columbia Park to witness the family-friendly Halloween festivities hosted by Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley as well as the annual Spook-Tacular Halloween Trunk or Treat hosted by Council President Joyce Watterman on Dwight Street between Bergen Avenue and MLK Drive.
“It’s important for people to come in their own community and embrace what they have,” Watterman told TAPinto Jersey City. “So this is a great day. You see the parents out here with their children and you see how happy they are. They should have a right to celebrate any holiday they choose to in their own community. So we’re excited about it.”
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This is the second year we did this up here and the parents really appreciate it," Watterman said, promising that more community events like this were on the way. "the community is changing- it’s shifting. And what is happening is that people are taking back their own community.”
“Today is Halloween and It’s amazing to be able to be able to come out in the community and have something for the children giving them treats, music, and just an opportunity for them to just play and be kids,” Senator Angela McKnight told TAPinto Jersey City. “I’m so happy that I’m here and I just want to thank Council President Joyce Watterman for putting this event on.”
TAPinto Jersey City's haunted tour included one final stop at the Halloween Family Bash on the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall which, as the hosts at HDSID promised, was "a ghoulishly good time in historic downtown Jersey City on Halloween."
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