- Location: Harborside - Jersey City, NJ
- Size: 6,000 sq ft
- Type: Restaurant
- Client: Mack-Cali/Piggyback
- Architect/Interior Design: Crown Architecture
As part of a larger master plan for Mack-Cali and the first of three hospitality projects designed for New Jersey’s largest developer, Piggyback Bar occupies the ground floor of the Harborside waterfront complex in Jersey City. Positioned within the atrium of a corporate office corridor, the challenge was to create a space vibrant and engaging enough to draw in patrons while functioning within a highly trafficked lobby environment.
Crown responded by embracing bold, expressive design strategies—collaborating with local graffiti artists to introduce dynamic splashes of color and energy. The entrance is anchored by a 70-foot mural of a vintage subway train, setting the tone for the immersive experience within. Custom-designed subway map tables, printed on vinyl and sealed with resin, pair seamlessly with brightly colored metal chairs, adding playful functionality to the space.
Despite a limited budget and compressed schedule, Crown utilized readily available materials and inventive techniques to deliver a design that is both cost-effective and visually impactful. The program includes a private dining room, outdoor seating, a sports bar, and a main dining area—providing versatile settings for a variety of experiences.
With a new ferry stop just steps away and a curtain wall offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Piggyback Bar enhances the Harborside complex's amenity offerings while increasing the value of Mack-Cali’s waterfront asset—enriching the daily experience for local workers and residents alike.
