Park Apt / Port Imperial
Project Statistics
Project Name: Port Imperial Apartments – Building Enclosure Specifications and Consulting
Location: Weehawken, NJ
Client: Developer-led design and construction teams
Completion Date: Ongoing (Initial engagement began 2013/14)
Service Type: Design Development Review, ASCE-7 Analysis, Building Enclosure Consulting, Specification Writing, Submittal and Shop Drawing Review, Construction and Administrative Services and Monitoring
Industry/Building Type/Height/Units: Residential, New Construction, 11 stories, 1000+ units
Overview
Port Imperial is a waterfront residential development in Weehawken, New Jersey, just across the Hudson from Midtown Manhattan. The area is steeped in history, from Henry Hudson’s 17th-century voyage to the Burr-Hamilton duel of 1804, and has evolved from marshland to a modern neighborhood.
CANY was brought on to support the delivery of high-performance apartment buildings designed to maximize the site’s panoramic views. Each building combines modern amenities with energy-efficient enclosure systems. This project significant stands out for its scale, location, and the opportunity to shape an emerging residential district from the ground up.
CANY's Involvement
Services provided
CANY’s role began with façade inspections on early builds and quickly expanded to include full building enclosure consulting and technical specification writing for every new structure.
Scope of work
Full exterior specifications for building envelope systems
Building enclosure consulting on performance, detailing, and materials
Submittal reviews and construction phase monitoring
Local Law 97 guidance on energy compliance
Long-term collaboration with owners, architects, and contractors
Our approach and solutions provided
Main challenges
Maintaining quality and consistency across multiple large-scale buildings
Avoiding common enclosure failures due to unclear or insufficient specifications
Coordinating between multiple stakeholders over long development timelines
Preparing buildings to meet evolving energy efficiency requirements
CANY's solution
Delivered clear, tailored specifications that addressed each building’s needs
Provided product and material guidance to support performance goals
Conducted ongoing inspections and reviews to identify and resolve issues early
Built strong working relationships with the project team, ensuring consistent communication
Offered practical guidance on energy compliance to support future LL97 benchmarks
Project Achievements
Key outcomes
Completion of multiple apartment buildings, with more underway
Reliable, high-performing enclosures that enhance energy efficiency and long-term durability
Avoidance of costly envelope-related issues through proactive specification and monitoring
Continued role as a trusted advisor to the developer and design team
Building History
Once a marshland and later a bustling shipping hub, the Weehawken waterfront has long played a role in shaping history. In 1609, Henry Hudson is believed to have anchored in the cove during his exploration of the New World. Nearly two centuries later, on July 11, 1804, the area became the site of the infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The duel took place on a secluded ledge along the Palisades, chosen for its privacy and New Jersey's more lenient enforcement of anti-dueling laws compared to New York.
Throughout the 19th century, the site remained a popular dueling ground, with at least 18 known duels taking place between 1700 and 1884.
In the 20th century, the area evolved into a working port before falling into decline. Today, it’s the focus of large-scale redevelopment, balancing density and design with access to open space and Manhattan views. The Port Imperial Apartments are a central part of this renewal, offering modern living within a landscape marked by layers of American history.
Conclusion
We’re valued for our insight, integrity, and honesty, willing to flag potential issues, but always ready with practical solutions to keep things on track. Our work at Port Imperial reflects that approach. By helping to deliver well-performing, long-lasting buildings, we’re proud to be part of the team shaping a new waterfront neighborhood—one that adds to the energy, growth, and sense of place across New York City’s extended skyline.
