Ill-Fated Pompidou Museum In Jersey City To Be Replaced With Affordable Housing

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Residential towers are rapidly rising in Jersey City's centrally located Journal Square neighborhood, and now affordable housing is being added to one of those sites.

Mayor James Solomon and Kushner Real Estate Group (KRE) announced Monday that they'll partner to develop affordable units at 808 Pavonia Ave. — a two-tower site that was originally to contain a controversial satellite of the Pompidou Museum in Paris.

KRE is already developing Artwalk Towers at the site, located across from the Journal Square PATH train station. They had received a 30-year tax credit under the past administration to include the museum, but will now pivot to affordable housing.

The city had prioritized new cultural opportunities under former Mayor Steve Fulop, but many criticized the museum project as too expensive, and nearly $20 million was paid to consultants for a project that never happened. Some also criticized a trip by eight city officials to Paris, although the city said the trip was not taxpayer-funded.

The state pulled its funding for the project in 2024 and it was eventually canceled.

KRE, which has built housing in Jersey City and around the state, is headed by Jonathan Kushner, and is separate from Kushner Companies, formerly run by Jared Kushner, which has also built in the area.

On Monday, Solomon praised KRE’s “willingness to partner with us on a new vision."

Construction on the first tower is already underway, following KRE's $175 million construction financing secured in late 2024.

Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa commented that Journal Square's revitalization will benefit residents who need affordable housing and community space.

Details regarding the number of affordable units and how to qualify were not released Monday, but will be available soon, local officials said said.

KRE had received the 30-year tax abatement in exchange for providing a “cultural arts space” for the museum, the city said.