Studio Libeskind has revealed the new seven-acre waterfront district it’s bringing to the town of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, along the Delaware River. The Phillipsburg’s Union Square Master Plan will ultimately drop a mixed-use neighborhood along the river to better reconnect the town with its neighbors.

Although not much in the way of official information has been released yet, diagrams depict a series of stepped buildings along the Phillipsburg waterfront, with retail and ample parking at the base and tiered housing above. To connect the new development to the town, an elevated bridge will run over the adjacent North Main St. drag that currently cuts off the waterfront. A promenade and boat slip (the river is a popular recreation destination across the four states it cuts through) have also been included. Given that the development is right on the water, it’s likely some form of flood mitigation will be included by necessity.
Phillipsburg, a relatively small community situated on the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania (literally divided by the river) selected Studio Libeskind and local New Jersey developer Stateliner United, LLC, after putting out a request for proposals for the site. Earlier news about Stateliner United’s proposal noted that the developer wanted to use the opportunity to expand the town’s commercial district to the waterfront.

“We are looking forward to this opportunity to revitalize the riverfront and invest in Phillipsburg’s most precious natural assets,” said Daniel Libeskind in a press release announcing the partnership. “Our proposal focuses on highlighting the natural beauty of town by enlivening the public realm and creating signature architecture that is both contextual and innovative.”
No timeline or budget for the project has been announced at the time of writing.