Firm designs Manhattan-style condos on Jersey's Gold Coast.

Two of the country's largest home builders K. Hovnanian and Equity Residential selected renowned architectural firm Cetra Ruddy to design 77 Hudson Street, the largest high-rise residential skyscraper in Jersey City. Cetra/Ruddy Inc. has designed 77 Hudson as the first Manhattan-style skyscraper in Jersey City.

The 1.3 million-s/f project consists of two 48-story towers of faceted, multi-colored glass. They will feature elements normally found in Manhattan condominiums. These include floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the spectacular water views, high-end materials such as chiseled quartz bathroom walls and custom-designed cantilevered master bathroom vanities along with other indoor and outdoor amenities.

"77 Hudson creates a new paradigm in urban living," said John Cetra, architect and designer of the project. "The architecturally distinctive faceted glass towers that will grace the Hudson River skyline combine the most sophisticated elements of both sides of the river."

At the groundbreaking ceremony attended by Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, K. Hovnanian division president Jim Driscoll commented, "This is a significant groundbreaking for Jersey City and for K. Hovnanian. At a time when Jersey City keeps adding jobs and New Yorkers are looking for strong home equity, we believe residences at 77 Hudson will offer high value with lots of amenities in an unbeatable waterfront location."

77 Hudson Street will consist of two soaring 500 ft towers, one with 420 condominiums to be sold by K. Hovnanian, New Jersey's largest homebuilder, and the other with 481 rental apartments to be operated by Equity Residential, the largest publicly traded apartment REIT in the nation.