Historic Wonder Bread factory in Hoboken turns into luxury building

Posted by Almeda Bohannan on Saturday, May 4, 2024

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People are leaving the Big Apple to live in a former Wonder Bread factory.

Located in Hoboken, the historical factory sits directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, and has been been transformed into a luxury residential building.

Known as Wonder Lofts, a nod to the famous bread brand, it prides itself on the expansive, “suburban-sized” layouts within its 83 condos — 60% of which reportedly sold within a few months of its opening.

“A large part of the draw is that we are one of the few buildings in Hoboken that offer amenities and homes above 2,000 square feet,” Robert Fourniadis, Senior Vice President of Residential of Prism Capital Partners, which developed Wonder Lofts, told The Post. “Most of the buildings in Downtown Jersey City that have comparable amenities don’t have the size homes that we offer.”

A wide shot of the Wonder Bread factory when it first opened in 1909. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
A worker is seen inside the Wonder Bread factory during the yeast process. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
Inside the Wonder Bread factory in 1923 with workers pressing down on the dough. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
A horse carriage stands outside the Wonder Bread factory. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts

The Wonder Loft is the latest symbol of Hoboken’s storied industrial past that is now redefining its residential future, according to its developers. The breadmaker first opened its five factory buildings Clinton Street in 1909 and churned out countless loaves during the early 20th century, until it closed in the late 1960s.

Floor plans of the newly built residential units range from 1,200 to 2,700 square feet of living space. Prospective buyers have the option of a two bedroom unit that sells for $1.25 million, and up to five bedrooms at a cost of around $2.4 million.

“It was very important to the civic leaders in Hoboken and the neighbors in the community that the Wonder Bread building be preserved, which we agreed with,” Fourniadis said.

The newly erected residential building has tried to maintain some of the features from the Wonder Bread factory.
Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
The grand living room with a terrace. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
The chef’s kitchen. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
Another living room with a different floor plan. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
The primary bedroom. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts

“Keeping the existing structure with its unique brickwork and windows, high ceilings, and existing beams and columns, which have been incorporated into most of the homes and common areas, allowed us to provide something that no one else in the market is offering,” he added.

The building’s original brick detail, archways, high ceilings, large windows, an 80-foot-tall chimney stack from its factory days is now the focal point of a passively landscaped common courtyard.

According to Fourniadis, who developed Wonder Lofts in partnership with Parkwood Development and Angelo Gordon, large living spaces like these, particularly the living room and kitchen, are “typically only available in a suburban home.” There are also separate laundry rooms and work spaces in each unit, plus a private outdoor living space, with many boasting views of the Manhattan skyline.

Entertainment seating area with a fire pit. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
The resident lounge. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts
The infinity edge pool with views of the Manhattan skyline. Courtesy of Wonder Lofts

Features of each residence include large window facades, smart home entry systems, designer kitchens and baths, walk-in closets, and room for abundant storage.

Wonder Lofts’ 14,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor common space includes a rooftop, a landscaped patio lounge with an infinity-edge swimming pool, a circular outdoor bar underneath the restored water tower, gas barbecue grills and several dining and lounge seating areas with a fire pit.

New Yorkers increasingly want the perks of comfortable suburban living, with the excitement and modern conveniences of life in the city, according to Fourniadis.

“Approximately 30% of the buyers have come from New York. Many were seeking new construction specifically and loved the idea of a factory conversion. A few buyers came from Soho and Tribeca and were renting in loft buildings,” he said. “We expect those numbers to increase over the next few months.”

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