Long-Time Ironbound Resident Upgrades Lifestyle at Fifty-Five Union

Alejandra Jara, a long-time resident of Newark’s vibrant Ironbound neighborhood, recently upgraded her lifestyle while staying true to her roots.

With her career as a Macy’s executive flourishing, Ms. Jara was ready to move on from the small one-bedroom apartment she lived in for 13 years, but the last thing she wanted to do was leave the neighborhood. The Ironbound was her home. She went looking for local apartments that offered the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and community.

Ms. Jara’s journey led her to the doorstep of Fifty-Five Union, a brand-new luxury rental building situated at 55 Union Street. The state-of-the-art property set a remarkable precedent for luxury living in the neighborhood. Offering an array of spacious open layouts, premium finishes, and modern amenities and social spaces, Fifty-Five Union was a breath of fresh air. It offered 43 distinct floorplans that made every home feel wonderfully unique, setting it apart from conventional cookie-cutter apartment buildings. Each apartment exuded individuality, while breathtaking views of the surrounding neighborhood added an extra layer of charm.

After an inspiring tour, Ms. Jara and her partner selected a one-bedroom residence with views of downtown Newark and a spacious outdoor patio.  Since moving in this June, the patio has become their sanctuary – a place to unwind after a long day’s work or a stimulating alternative workspace during remote days. In the heart of the bustling city, they treasure this private outdoor oasis.

A native of Ecuador, Ms. Jara arrived in the Ironbound in 2011 after a brief stay in New Hampshire. She deliberately chose the Ironbound over New York City, citing its unmatched value, excellent transit accessibility, and distinctive neighborhood feel. The familiar streets and vibrant culture quickly captured her heart.

“I look at the Ironbound and for me, it feels like home. It’s not just a place where I live, but it is home to me. It is a place that I have seen change and it is a place that has seen me change. It holds a spiritual place in my heart because it has been home to me while I grew as a person and grew in my career,” Ms. Jara said. “The Ironbound is going down the right path. We’re so happy to have Fifty-Five Union in the neighborhood because it is a great place to live and because it sets the standards really high for other new buildings going forward.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Jara and her partner intend to buy a home in the Ironbound. They plan on living at Fifty-Five Union for at least the next two years and are excited about the neighborhood’s bright future. The convenience of walking to supermarkets, gyms, and local businesses is a cherished aspect of their daily life. On weekends, they relish in the diverse culinary offerings of the neighborhood, with Sihana Café at 71 Ferry Street being a personal favorite. This cafe not only boasts an extensive menu of healthy breakfast and lunch items, but also provides free coffee to residents of Fifty-Five Union, paid by Fifty-Five Union’s owner, Newark-based J&L Companies, as an extended resident amenity.

Fifty-Five Union’s prime location near Newark Penn Station, Newark Airport, and an array of cultural attractions in downtown Newark perfectly aligns with Ms. Jara’s love for travel. When she’s home, she can indulge in the rich cultural tapestry of Newark and the vibrant buzz of New York City.

“I can go to the Prudential Center. I can go to NJPAC. I can say ‘Look, Jennifer Lopez is performing tonight and it’s only two blocks away, let’s show up,’” Ms. Jara said. “I really enjoy Cirque du Soleil and will go to that whenever it is in town. My partner is a big fan of the New York Knicks, and those games are easy to get to. There is so much going on. It’s why we love living in Newark.”

Fifty-Five Union offers 403 well-appointed studios, one- and two-bedroom residences, now leasing at monthly rental rates starting from $2,000.  Immediate occupancy is available.

Adding to the allure of the property are its meticulously curated amenities and services. Offering over 20,000 square feet of outdoor escapes, residents can bask in the serene rooftop garden with views of New York City and downtown Newark. A central courtyard provides additional outdoor opportunities, complete with grill stations, fire pits, and comfortable lounge seating.

Indoor amenities and communal spaces include a boutique lobby with a 24-hour concierge, package reception, and a coffee bar. Residents also enjoy a club room, private dining area, and a fully equipped catering kitchen. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with an outdoor exercise area. For those who work remotely, a business lounge offers private and co-working spaces, conference rooms, and Wi-Fi access. Additionally, the pet-friendly building boasts an indoor parking garage, private storage options, bicycle storage, and electronic package lockers.

“The gym is one of the biggest plusses for me,” Ms. Jara said. “Working retail can be a lot of physical work, but I really want to get back to my fitness goals and this is a great way to do it. The gym is legit. It has everything you need and I like the way the windows are arranged. It connects you to the outdoors while you work out.”

Fifty-Five Union also takes a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and wellness, contributing to a greener future for Newark. Notable green features include a cutting-edge greywater recycling system, a living green wall in the lobby, a green roof system, EV charging stations, a regenerative power elevator system, LED lighting throughout the property, and hybrid heat pumps and Energy Star®-rated appliances in every residence.

For more information on Fifty-Five Union, or to arrange a visit to tour the property’s furnished model homes and amenity spaces, visit www.55UnionNewark.com or call 973-803-1256.