Grove Street Station

Grove Street Station

The Grove Street PATH station was, until very recently, on a dilapidated, run-down traffic island between Christopher Columbus Drive, Newark Avenue, and Grove Street in Jersey City. This underground station handles a high volume of traffic and was in desperate need of rehabilitation. Melillo + Bauer Associates created an expansive urban plaza surrounding the entrance to the station, richly paved in various patterns of bluestone and brick, echoing the rich history of this area of Jersey City. Although Newark Street was closed to vehicular traffic, expanding the pedestrian space of the station plaza, flush curbs were designed at either end of the street so that it may be opened to traffic in emergencies, or other instances, if necessary. Melillo + Bauer Associates met with community representatives during the design process to ensure that the plaza was designed, not only as an entrance for the PATH station but also as a space for the community festivals and functions, both planned and unplanned! The Station Plaza is the "front door" of the new Grove Pointe residential complex, with street-level retail shops along the streetscape which enliven the entire area. Seat walls and benches are located throughout the plaza, creating gathering areas for the neighborhood's residents while planter areas provide vibrant splashes of color. This dynamic urban plaza has dramatically improved access to the PATH station and has created a thriving public space in one of Jersey City's busiest neighborhoods.