Element Harrison Marks A Decade of Service With Improved Amenities

Element Harrison, a leading extended-stay hotel in the heart of Harrison, NJ, is celebrating a decade of service to both business and leisure travelers. Since opening in 2014, the hotel has been an anchor in the town’s incredible transformation, helping to drive the development of new modern apartment buildings and commercial spaces within the rapidly growing SOHA (Southern Harrison) district.

To mark this significant milestone, the hotel recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation that includes redesigned guest rooms, upgraded meeting spaces, and improved amenities. The renovation has helped cement Element Harrison's reputation as a top destination for both long- and short-term stays, providing visitors with sleek, modern accommodations that embrace sustainability. Marriott International’s President & CEO Anthony Capuano joined the hotel’s ownership group—Ironstate Development Company and the Pegasus Group—at a special event to celebrate the renovation’s completion.

Driving Local Development

Located at 399 Somerset Street, Element Harrison sits in a prime position within Harrison’s newly revitalized redevelopment zone. The hotel is surrounded by other modern developments, including luxury apartments, retail spaces, and a state-of-the-art commuter parking garage. As one of the first high-profile projects to open in the area, Element Harrison helped spark additional development, making the SOHA district a sought-after destination for both businesses and residents.

Michael Barry, President of Ironstate Development Company, expressed his pride in the hotel’s role in Harrison’s transformation. “When the property joined the Element brand in 2014, we recognized the potential for both the brand and Harrison,” he said. “Over the past decade, Harrison has become one of the New York Metro region’s most successful redevelopment stories, and Element Harrison-Newark has grown alongside it.”

The development of Harrison has continued to flourish, with the Ironstate/Peagus partnership transforming 27 acres of underutilized land. This ambitious project has brought 2,250 new residences, 80,000 square feet of retail space, and a revitalized Harrison PATH Station into the mix, further enhancing the area’s appeal for commuters and visitors alike.

Renovated for Modern Comfort

The recent renovations to Element Harrison-Newark have enhanced the guest experience, with key updates including redesigned guest rooms featuring kitchenettes, rainfall showers, and large windows that provide plenty of natural light. The hotel also boasts new meeting rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and a pet-friendly initiative. For dining, the Station Bar & Bites offers a welcoming space for guests and locals alike to enjoy pub-style food and drinks.

A Green Area Threatened by the EPA’s Proposed Toxic Sludge Plant

While the 10-year anniversary marks an exciting chapter in Harrison’s history, the area’s future is clouded by an unfortunate plan from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency has proposed placing a Toxic Sludge Plant and Construction Staging Area just south of Element Harrison, on a property currently owned by PSE&G. This land was originally designated as a “Green Area” for a park, community center, and vital transportation infrastructure, including a drop-off/pick-up area for the Harrison PATH Station.

Local leadership, however, has shown support for the EPA’s controversial plan. Harrison Mayor James Fife and Councilman James Doran—who also serves as the Director of Personnel for the Harrison Board of Education—have both expressed backing for the Toxic Sludge Plant, despite public outcry and concerns raised by local figures, including then-Councilman Anselmo Millan and a local attorney. In what many view as a betrayal of the public trust, both Fife and Doran have denied any prior knowledge of the plan, despite irrefutable evidence otherwise, and have even defamed those who raised valid concerns including a then-sitting Councilman.

The proposed toxic facility stands in stark contrast to the vision for Harrison’s redevelopment, which has focused on creating a vibrant, sustainable community. The EPA’s plan threatens to undermine over 26 years of careful urban planning and community investment.

Despite the challenges posed by the EPA’s plan, Element Harrison continues to serve as a beacon of progress for the Town of Harrison. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability, modern amenities, and exceptional service has made it a cornerstone of the SOHA district’s revitalization, and its continued success reflects the resilience of the community. Maybe its management can assist the community in its fight to stop the EPA's Toxic Sludge & Construction Staging Area designated for Green space improvements. Harrison's southern end is now a vibrant residential and commercial community. The community deserves to enjoy what was originally planned for the PSE&G property not what EPA wants to use it for.

For more information on Element Harrison, including booking details and a full list of services, visit their website.

About Ironstate Development Company
Ironstate Development Company is one of the largest privately held real estate development companies in the Northeast, specializing in large-scale mixed-use projects. Based in Hoboken, New Jersey, Ironstate is dedicated to urban revitalization and has a portfolio valued at several billion dollars.

About The Pegasus Group
Founded in 1997 and based in New York City, The Pegasus Group focuses on adaptive reuse and urban revitalization, with more than 60 years of combined industry experience.

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