Retailers snap up Jersey's Liberty Towers space.

The first three retail providers have signed leases to occupy part of 24,000 square feet of ground floor space at Liberty Towers, the new luxury rental community of 648 upscale homes overlooking Jersey City's downtown waterfront.

Construction has already commenced on the new businesses, which include the Exchange Place Florist, a Valley National Bank branch, and Green Cow, a unique gourmet market featuring restaurant-quality food for busy people on the go.

All three expect to be open to the public later this spring, reports Essex Waterfront Company, which is developing Liberty Towers in the desirable Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City.

"We're delighted to introduce the first retail conveniences to the community," notes Brian Fisher, a development principal.

"We've carefully targeted businesses that will not only enhance the lifestyle of Liberty Towers residents, but of the neighborhood at large. We look forward to doing more of the same with the remaining retail space."

Exchange Place Florist will occupy 700 square feet; Valley National Bank will be housed in 3,000 square feet; and Green Cow will feature 3,920 square feet of space.

For Vincent Virga--one of four Hudson County-born-and- raised principals of Green Cow Group, LLC,--Liberty Towers offered the ideal design and location for the new market.

"I fell in love with Liberty Towers right away because it is run in the same manner as a fine hotel," says Mr. Virga, who points out that this will be the first location for the concept eatery which will combine restaurant-quality food in a take-out format with a retail market. Green Cow--whose name reflects its vegetarian and carnivorous menu--will feature a conventional deli, as well as offer brick oven pizza, pastas, sandwiches and a coffee bar.

"We've also incorporated into the concept an upscale gourmet market akin to what you would find in the city," Mr. Virga notes, adding that the restaurant will be similar to Cafe Europa or Balducci's in Manhattan. "The difference is, we will also have the retail store, selling pastas, sauces, bread and other food."

The new retailers are the latest addition to Liberty Towers' unique cosmopolitan atmosphere which has garnered considerable public appeal since opening its doors.

In addition to the magnificent views and luxurious floor plans, the community offers a resort-like ambiance fostered by Manhattan-style amenities and services.

These include a spectacular outdoor swimming pool and landscaped deck, a lounge/media room and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Residents also enjoy an indoor, gate-controlled parking garage with an individual driveway entrance, a 24-hour attended lobby, and a full service concierge.

Rapid access to Manhattan is available by the PATH train system and the ferry. A station of the new Light Rail System is situated at the building's doorstep.