Samantha Impaglia 
The Jersey City Theater Center is raising funds to make its new permanent home a reality. This week, the Jersey City Council passed a resolution in support of the performing arts organization’s new groundbreaking building in Journal Square, which will be located at 575 Summit Avenue. While the full details are still being worked out, JCTC is currently raising money through its Hudson Gives campaign to support the organization and its new project. Read on for what we know so far about Jersey City Theater Center’s new permanent home in the Journal Square neighborhood of Chilltown.
The New Building
Jersey City Theater Center revealed the plans for its new Journal Square building, located at 575 Summit Avenue, on Tuesday May 6th. Per a Facebook post from the organization, it will be the world’s tallest 100% arts-focused cultural center once complete. The Summit Avenue space is currently home to the historic Jersey City Mission Church, in which JCTC said will be “lovingly preserved” in the process.
In the plans for the new space will be about 86,000-square-feet of performing arts facilities, including a main stage theater, black box theater, dance theater, and children’s theater, among other things. The building will also be home to 98 affordable artist housing units, visual art galleries, rehearsal studios, and a rooftop event venue with panoramic views. The programming provided will include global theater performances, Indie films, contemporary dance, children’s programs, artist residencies, and much more.
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“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a home for the arts that is globally significant yet deeply rooted in the spirit of Jersey City,” Olga Levina, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of Jersey City Theater Center said via a Facebook post. “It’s about uniting artists, audiences, and communities to share stories and celebrate diversity.”
The project is a part of the Journal Square 2060 Redevelopment Plan, and is sponsored by Jersey City Councilmen Richard Boggiano and James Solomon. The building will be developed and restored by BLDGup and Ben LoPiccolo — the same team who previously restored Jersey City’s White Eagle Hall — and designed by NJIT Architecture Professor Gernot Riether in collaboration with Jak Inglese Architecture + Engineering.
What’s Next?
A resolution was unanimously passed 8-0 by the Jersey City Council on Wednesday, May 7th — the next step to make Jersey City Theater Center’s new home a reality. JCTC announced the news via Instagram on Thursday, May 8th.
View this post on Instagram
The organization is currently raising funds to cover rent for JCTC Studios in Downtown Jersey City for another year, support Global Arts Education at Hudson County’s Public Schools, and help develop a Main Stage production through its Hudson Gives campaign. On the campaign page is a note from Olga Levina about JCTC’s future in its new permanent home:
“Big News for JCTC – Thank You for Making It Possible!
We’re thrilled to share a major milestone — last night, the Jersey City Council unanimously passed a resolution (8-0) in support of Jersey City Theater Center’s new home in Journal Square!
This resolution allows us to apply for the CAFE and ASPIRE grants with our development and contracting partners — an essential next step in making our long-awaited permanent home a reality.
We are especially grateful to Councilperson James Solomon (Ward E) and Councilman Richard Boggiano (Ward C) for co-sponsoring this vital measure for Jersey City’s cultural future.
Now, we turn to you — our incredible community. Your support has brought us this far, and we need your help to take the next leap. As a small nonprofit, we must cover significant costs like consultant fees and application expenses.
Every dollar brings us closer to building a permanent, inclusive home for the arts — a space for all voices, stories, and generations to gather and be inspired.
Thank you for believing in JCTC and for standing with us on this journey.
With gratitude,
Olga Levina”
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The resolution allows JCTC to apply for grants that will fund the development and contracting partners working on the project. Those interested in donating to JCTC’s campaign can do so here. This post will be updated with any further information as it is announced.
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