In a milestone for both Hoboken’s education system and local real estate, the Hoboken Public School District has signed a 20-year lease for 25,550 square feet at the newly developed Southend Hoboken, located at 38 Jackson Street. The space will be transformed into a dedicated Pre-Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education Center, directly addressing the city’s growing demand for educational facilities.
The lease was brokered by Jacqueline Petruzzelli of Corcoran Sawyer Smith, representing the school district in what stands as one of the region’s most notable educational real estate commitments in recent years. Petruzzelli emphasized the connection between Hoboken’s population growth and the urgent need for expanded school capacity. “As a long-time residential agent in Hoboken, I’ve had a front-row seat to the incredible influx of families choosing to call this community home,” she said. “But with that growth has come a pressing challenge: our public school system hasn’t physically expanded to meet the needs of our growing population of children. Recognizing this need, I took the initiative to approach the Hoboken School District and advocate for greater educational space. That conversation organically led to a landmark lease agreement at one of Hoboken’s newest developments, creating a much-needed educational center that will serve our community for years to come.”
Southend Hoboken, developed by The Taurasi Group, is a large-scale mixed-use project positioned along Hoboken’s southern border. The development includes 110 luxury condominium residences known as Southend Lofts, roughly 50,000 square feet of commercial space, and an additional 50,000 square feet of ground-floor retail anchored by a flagship grocery store. The building is organized around a landscaped interior public courtyard designed to encourage community engagement and connectivity.
“This is an ideal site for early education,” Petruzzelli noted. “The Southend Hoboken is not only a brand-new, luxury development, but it’s also positioned in one of Hoboken’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. The accessibility, safety, and community-oriented design make it a perfect fit for young learners and their families.” Renovations and custom buildouts are scheduled to begin soon, with the facility expected to open in time for the 2026–2027 school year.
The transaction highlights the rapid expansion of Corcoran Sawyer Smith’s commercial division, launched less than a year ago but already establishing a strong presence in the regional market. While Petruzzelli led the school district lease, Arthur Maglio handled leasing for Dumbo Market retail space within the same development, demonstrating the firm’s capability across multiple asset types within a single project.
“This lease reflects the strength and evolution of the Hoboken real estate market,” Petruzzelli said. “We’re seeing a shift toward developments that blend residential, retail, and civic uses in a way that truly serves the community. It’s exciting to be part of a project that will have such a lasting impact.”
Corcoran Sawyer Smith has built a reputation as a full-service brokerage with a three-decade legacy in the tri-state market. The firm’s expansion into commercial real estate, combined with the acquisition of Liberty Realty, has strengthened its platform for retail, industrial, and multi-family investment opportunities across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its New Development division supports projects from initial planning and design consultation through leasing and sales execution, shaping some of the region’s most ambitious urban developments.
For more coverage on commercial real estate trends and significant transactions in New Jersey, explore the Real Estate section.
With the Southend Hoboken lease, the city’s public school system gains a modern, accessible educational hub, while Corcoran Sawyer Smith demonstrates its growing influence in shaping Hoboken’s dynamic urban landscape.
