The Crossings at Brick Church Station

The Crossings at Brick Church Station is an ambitious development project located in the City of East Orange, New Jersey, with a vision to transform the area into a vibrant and thriving community. The project aims to provide high-quality fresh foods, restaurants, retail amenities, and mixed-income housing while promoting car-free living and reducing traffic congestion in the city.

Designated as an NJDOT “Transit Village,” East Orange is undergoing a revitalization effort to encourage sustainable living and offer convenient access to public transportation. The Crossings at Brick Church Station is at the forefront of this revitalization, bringing forth a transformative, mixed-use, and transit-oriented development to the city.

At the heart of the project is a central promenade, designed by Bohler’s landscape architecture studio, which serves as the “spine” connecting Main Street to the Brick Church Station. This multi-use space is a focal point for pedestrian activity and can be adapted into a public venue for community events such as farm markets, street vendors, and art displays. The promenade showcases decorative pavers, brick-clad raised seatwalls, shade trees, and ornamental lighting fixtures, creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment.

The development encompasses 800 residential units and approximately 200,000 square feet of commercial space, housing a grocery store, retailers, and restaurants. By integrating housing, workspaces, and recreational facilities, the project encourages residents to live, work, and play within the city, fostering a sense of community and reducing the need for commuting. Additionally, the proximity to public transportation enables convenient access to regional amenities and encourages a more sustainable lifestyle.

The project also features an outdoor courtyard amenity located on the rooftop, providing residents with a unique outdoor space and breathtaking views. The courtyard includes a rooftop lounge where residents can relax in comfort and style. Amenities in the courtyard comprise an outdoor kitchen area with grills and a sink, hi-top table seating, a synthetic turf multi-use area, and fire table lounge spaces. Landscaping, raised planters, landscape lighting, a multipurpose synthetic lawn, pedestal pavers, and site furniture create an outdoor amenity suitable for all ages and seasons. Notably, the rooftop movie theater adds an exciting and enjoyable element, providing residents with a distinctive way to watch movies outdoors.

Overall, the Crossings at Brick Church Station aims to instill a sense of community pride and ownership, attract visitors, and support local businesses. The streetscape elements, including a historic clock, decorative pavers, seasonal landscaping, and ample seating and dining areas, contribute to the project’s aesthetic appeal and create a welcoming environment for all. Through its thoughtful design and comprehensive amenities, the development seeks to be a transformative economic and community development project that enhances the quality of life for East Orange residents and sets a new standard for sustainable, transit-oriented living.