A structure that will become the tallest residential building in New Jersey has reached its full height of 713 feet, as the developers of the Jersey City skyscraper now look ahead to a late 2016 opening.The firms, Mack-Cali Realty Corp. and Ironstate Development Co., announced Thursday that the $330 million project known as URL Harborside 1 has been topped out, meaning the final beam has been raised at the top of the structure. When complete, the 69-story tower will include 763 rental units overlooking the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.



In an afternoon ceremony Thursday, executives from the firms joined Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, other local officials and more than 200 tradespeople to mark the construction milestone. Ironstate President David Barry said URL Harborside, based on a new housing concept, “will offer a new paradigm for how people can live and work in the city — in a way that is more sustainable and community oriented.”



“Today we acknowledge the combined efforts of our construction and design teams and skilled tradespeople who got us to this point,” Barry, whose firm is based in Hoboken, said in a prepared statement. “We’re proud to have collectively created a new landmark that will enhance the growing Jersey City skyline while providing majestic, panoramic views of New York City and New Jersey for miles in every direction.”



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The project, which is rising from a once-vacant parcel in Mack-Cali’s mixed-use complex, is the first phase of what will ultimately include three towers containing 2,358 total units. URL Harborside 1 is expected to open for leasing in the fourth quarter of 2016.



The URL, or “Urban Ready Life,” concept was developed by Barry to provide people with an innovative housing solution that maximizes space, reduces energy use, provides close and easy access to public transit and serves the community with cafes, residential rooftop gardens and other distinctive amenities, according to a news release. URL Harborside was designed by Dutch architecture firm Concrete.



“With our partner, Ironstate, URL Harborside will be part of our transformed waterfront — where we’re creating a true live, work, play neighborhood with amazing views of Manhattan,” said Michael DeMarco, president of Mack-Cali. “This project is a key part of a series of developments transforming Mack-Cali into a premier urban waterfront and transit-based office and luxury multifamily owner.”



The milestone was celebrated just weeks after Mack-Cali, an Edison-based real estate trust, announced it was refocusing its business on luxury multifamily projects and waterfront office property. The commercial real estate giant recently appointed DeMarco as president and Mitchell Rudin as CEO to succeed Mitchell Hersh, who was at the helm when its vast portfolio of suburban office space fell on hard times.

