In Jersey City, New Jersey, in lieu of a Centre Pompidou outpost—a project that was declared “dead” on February 11—officials are now exploring opportunities to build community space in the museum’s place.
This is happening as part of an ongoing housing development slated for 808-813 Pavonia Avenue in Journal Square, Artwalk Towers, designed by Handel Architects.
Artwalk Towers, backed by Kushner Real Estate Group (KRE), will cumulatively have 1,189 residential units spread across two tall buildings. Mayor Solomon announced on March 2 that negotiations are taking place to include more affordable housing at Artwalk Towers, accompanied by the community center.
KRE Group had previously received a 30-year tax abatement to build a cultural arts space at Artwalk Towers, what would have been Pompidou Museum.
Approximately 100,000 square feet was set aside for the museum, but that proposal faced significant backlash from local politicians and residents.
In 2024, Councilwoman Denise Ridley said “I think what people are saying more than ‘we don’t want the museum’ is that ‘we want you to give us the services that we need’” in the form of affordable housing, and public utilities.
The new direction to include more affordable housing and a community center was vocalized by Jersey City residents and then brokered by Mayor Solomon and Jonathan Kushner, KRE Group president.
“The previous administration left Jersey City with no financially responsible way to move forward with the Pompidou concept,” Mayor Solomon said in a statement. “But we appreciate KRE’s willingness to partner with us on a new vision.”
“They came to us with a proposal for pivoting from the museum to badly needed affordable housing. That kind of flexibility deserves recognition,” Mayor Solomon continued. “It’s exactly the kind of partnership this city needs, and the type of work that will be a trademark of this administration.”
In 2017, before he was elected mayor, Solomon founded an organization called Evict Trump Kushner which mobilized against developments in Jersey City by the Trump and Kushner families.
Solomon was often seen protesting outside city hall against the tax breaks Jersey City politicians were offering the developers. He was sworn in as mayor of Jersey City in January 2026.
KRE Group received a $175 million loan from Kennedy Wilson to finance the Artwalk Towers project in 2024.
Construction has started on the first tower. The project is slated for completion in 2027.
Details pertaining to the affordable housing component will be released soon, the Jersey City Mayor’s Office said.
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