This article is sponsored by the HDSID.
A beloved area of Jersey City will be expanding to include new businesses and provide more resources to the community. The Jersey City council recently approved an ordinance to expand the boundaries of the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID) — a local non-profit organization that works with local businesses to make Historic Downtown Jersey City a better place to live, work, and visit. The expansion will include 20+ Jersey City spots like White Eagle Hall, Bourke Street Bakery, and The Little Gym. Read on for more about HDSID’s expansion in Jersey City, NJ.
The Expansion
After a two-year process, the Jersey City council approved the expansion of the HDSID to include 22 more businesses within its boundaries, effective immediately following the approval. The expansion includes sections of Marin Boulevard, Monmouth Street, Brunswick Street, 4th Street, and Newark Avenue.
“The HDSID expansion is a significant development for our community,” the HDSID team told The Hoboken Girl. “The HDSID is delighted to welcome new businesses into our district and is committed to supporting their growth and success.”
By including new sections in the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District, the organization has the opportunity to extend its services and support to additional Jersey City businesses, “contributing to the vibrancy and economic vitality of the area.” Being a member gives businesses access to support, resources, and opportunities to thrive — like marketing + promotional initiatives, the opportunity to present HDSID’s interests to local government, and community engagement.
^ Art House Productions
New Businesses in the HDSID
The 26 new businesses in the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District include everything from live music venues and art galleries to bakeries and bars to fitness spots.
Abbey’s Pub, 409 Monmouth Street — American pub food
Art House Productions, 345 Marin Boulevard — non-profit art exhibition and programming space
Barge Inn, 324 3rd Street — old-school Italian food
Bond Vet, 357 Marin Boulevard — veterinary office
Bourke Street Bakery, 331 Marin Boulevard — Australian bakery and cafe
Cellar 335, 335 Newark Avenue — global plates + tropical cocktails served in a cool basement setting with funky decor
The Center for Joint + Spine Relief, 311 Newark Avenue — chiropractic services and pain relief
Diesel and Duke, 389 Monmouth Street — burgers and fries
Haven Dental, 351 Marin Boulevard — dental office
Healy’s Tavern, 374 Newark Avenue — neighborhood bar
Hudson Tea House + Co. Event Space + Corporate Catering, 411 Monmouth Street — event space
Jane Doe, 333 Newark Avenue — new Lounge dining experience
^ Barge Inn Photo Credit: Jersey Photographer
Kacey Padlo, State Farm Insurance Agent, 419 Monmouth Street — independent insurance provider
The Little Gym, 380 Newark Avenue — indoor kid’s gymnastics gym
Madame, 390 4th Street — French restaurant
Milestones Day Care Programs, 375 Monmouth Street — serving people with intellectual/developmental disabilities throughout their lifetimes
NJ Skateshop Jersey City, 383 Monmouth Street — skate shop and accessories
Power Plant Kitchen, 361 Newark Avenue — plant-based cafe with salads, sandwiches, and drinks
Prato Bakery,371 4th Street — Italian bakery
Rabble + Lion, 156 Brunswick Street — coffee shop
Snap Fitness, 139 Brunswick Street — new 24/7 gym
^ White Eagle Hall
Urban Dog, 415 Monmouth Street — fur baby spa and daycare
Village West Gallery, 331 Newark Avenue — art gallery
Wattle Cafe, 351 Marin Boulevard — Australian clean eating
White Eagle Hall, 337 Newark Avenue — popular concert venue
Zero Kid NJ, 381 Monmouth Street — thrift shop
All About HDSID
The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID) is a public-private partnership, 501(C) which allows local business owners to directly impact the neighborhoods in Historic Downtown Jersey City. The non-profit works with local businesses, property owners, and neighborhood associations in partnership with the city government. HDSID also has a clean team on duty seven days a week from 5AM-7PM to ensure the cleanliness of the downtown area.
HDSID also hosts a variety of events throughout the year and hosts some of Chilltown’s favorite farmers’ markets + handmade markets as well as happenings like the All About Downtown Street Fair. Other family-friendly events include live music, holiday celebrations, and more.
The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District is located in downtown Jersey City. Visit HDSID’s website for more information.
13 New + Incoming Fitness Spots in Hoboken and Jersey City
The fitness community in Hoboken + Jersey City seems to grow by the day. The wellness-conscious population throughout the Mile Square and Chilltown alike creates tons of opportunities for new spaces to set down roots and build loyal clientele. We’ve had our eye on 13 new (or up-and-coming) spots entering the Hoboken + Jersey City landscape recently that are changing the local fitness game. Read on for our growing list of new Hoboken and Jersey City fitness spots.
Hoboken
Axis School of Dance | 115 Grand Street
Dancers, it’s time to get excited. Axis School of Dance opened the doors of its new 115 Grand Street location in December of 2024. The dance studio features classes friendly for ages 1.5-17 years old. All classes are taught in pre-professional environments and led by industry professionals. Students can take ballet, tap, jazz, Broadway, contemporary, acro, and hip-hop classes.
Barry’s Bootcamp | 119 River Street Suite A
Photo Credit: @hannah.sulcov
In August 2024, Barry’s Bootcamp announced on Instagram that it is opening a Hoboken location. A source close to the developer on the project shared with The Hoboken Girl this September that Barry’s new Hoboken location will be putting down roots at the former Jos A. Bank storefront at 119 River Street, Suite. As of January 8th, 2025, our readers spotted new signage in the windows, indicating a hopeful opening coming soon.
Read More: 6 New Spots Coming to Jersey City’s Newport Mall
Bloom Pilates Studio | 632 Washington Street
Bloom Pilates Studio came to Washington Street in Hoboken in June 2024 and made a splash in the local workout scape. The modern Pilates reformer studio features group classes and private training experiences in 50-minute sessions.
Iron Bodyfit | 104 Hudson Street, 5th Floor
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Iron Bodyfit has locations in New York City, Florida, and various international cities, but decided to expand to Hoboken in February 2025 with a mission of making health and wellness more accessible. Iron Bodyfit uses EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) to stimulate eight different muscle groups combined with exercise techniques. According to Iron Bodyfit’s website, 25 minutes of EMS training is a close equivalent to four hours of traditional physical activity.
Iron Grace Studio | 1317 Willow Avenue, 2nd Floor
Photo Credit: Courtney Roselle
Local trainer and Jersey City resident Courtney Roselle is opening her very own personal training studio. Iron Grace Studio is set to come to 1317 Willow Avenue (2nd floor) in Hoboken very soon (likely in spring 2025). The studio will be a welcoming personal training space complete with a mini kitchen, workplace, shower, and a mini-recovery room complete with cupping, a stim machine, and massage guns. Keep up with Courtney on Instagram for more opening updates.
Ken Pilates (2nd location) | 706 Washington Street Garden Level
In July 2024, Ken Pilates expanded to Washington Street in a vibrant, meticulously decorated garden-level studio. While Ken Pilates' original 706 Grand Street location remains open for private sessions, the 706 Washington Street location focuses more on group fitness springboard classes.
StretchLab | 770 Jackson Street
StretchLab signage was spotted by our Hoboken readers several months ago at 770 Jackson Street. While we wait for an official opening date, the StretchLab website states that the location is coming soon. When doors open, patrons can expect a one-on-one assisted stretch by a certified practitioner/mobility expert. The stretch sessions are designed to decrease pain and move better overall. There are various types of stretches and compression therapies to try based on your needs.
Jersey City
Alpha Fit Club | 10 Provost Street
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Alpha Fit Club opened in the Powerhouse Arts District back in July 2024. The circuit-based workouts combine strength training, HIIT style cardio to increase strength, build muscle, and amplify endurance. Each class is trainer-led and consists of a max of 24 participants, keeping things on the smaller side for a more personalized experience.
Equinox | 20 Columbus Drive
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On August 28th, 2024 a source close to the Harborside 4 project shared exclusively with The Hoboken Girl that a brand-new Equinox facility will be located in the new Harborside 4 complex, located at 20 Columbus Drive in Downtown Jersey City. Rumors about a potential Hoboken location have still been swirling for months as we eagerly await the news. We will share an update as soon as we know more.
Heights Fitness | 151 Newark Avenue
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Heights Fitness originally began in (you guessed it) Jersey City Heights back in 2021. The team recently completed an expansion in downtown Jersey City that opened in January 2025. The 24-hour access gym, private training sessions, and carefully selected equipment. Heights Fitness also provides various membership options with no strings attached, with everything from day passes to monthly memberships.
LWL | 225 Brunswick Street
Lloyd Pearson is a born and raised New-Jerseyan and global fitness instructor. In 2021, Lloyd began LWL (Live with Lloyd) as a virtual post-pandemic outlet. As things grew, Lloyd expanded to open a space for in-person classes in Montclair in 2023. Since then, Lloyd has expanded to Jersey City in February 2025, opening the new space at 225 Brunswick Street in the Hamilton Park neighborhood. Lloyd’s unique workouts hone in on a fun, music-centric experience combining dance, cardio, and kickboxing.
See More: A Visit to the Fairy Trail at South Mountain Reservation in Millburn
The Turf by Project Sculpt | 837 Jersey Avenue
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Popular fitness spot, Project Sculpt, recently expanded to create a hyper-local experience for its patrons living in between Hoboken + Jersey City. The Turf by Project Sculpt, located inside The Cast Iron Lofts, features the same powerful workout as Project Sculpt in an indoor “green” space covered in turf and faux trees allowing class-goers to tap into their inner athlete with a fresh new vibe.
Rumble Boxing | 134 Bay Street
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Rumble Boxing is expanding to Jersey City in just a few days on March 17th, 2025. The half-boxing, half-strength training studio hosts upbeat group fitness classes with high-intensity interval training, cardio, and strength training.
This post will be updated with any further information surrounding each business’s arrival. Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok to stay in the know with all of the local news, sign up for our weekly newsletter here, and check out our events calendar.
