19 Franklin Place, Rutherford, NJ

…has been part of the side-street-downtown of Rutherford for many years and was historically a general and medical office building. A mixed-use project is envisioned here to create an independent bookstore named Soldato, coworking office space, and 2nd floor apartments. The strength of a downtown is measured not only by the strength of the main boulevard feel but also its ability to pull you into interesting buildings and land uses down the smaller side streets. At the edge of the downtown zone, 19 Franklin Place seeks to strengthen the connection between Park Avenue and the surrounding residential neighborhood. We call this the Longhouse gesturing to the shelter of Native Americans – a long building that housed members of the tribe in a communal way. Originally envisioned as an inn to house wayward travels, it has become a place for Soldato patrons, co-working artists and craftsmen, as well as a home for 5 residents and an office.