Redesigning Liberty Towers with Sallyann Farnum
Published: 09/16/24
Updated: 01/09/25
At Veris Residential, each community’s design tells its own unique story. While every property offers an unparalleled welcome home experience, the spaces are all thoughtfully crafted to reflect their own character through intentional, sustainable design choices that prioritize resident health and well-being—from the layout of communal spaces to the materials used in individual apartments.
If you need proof of our commitment to resident health: Every Veris Residential community has received third-party WELL Health-Safety and WELL Equity Ratings. The International WELL Building Institute is an organization that certifies that buildings from multifamily projects to corporate offices demonstrate a people-first outlook, applying research on the science of the benefits of physical and social environments on the health, well-being, and performance of the people who occupy or work inside them. Veris was the first company to achieve the WELL Equity Rating portfolio-wide, demonstrating that 100% of our communities and offices are not only healthy and safe but also equitable spaces where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
Reimagining Liberty Towers: A Case Study in Sustainable Design
Currently, Liberty Towers by Veris Residential, a community in Jersey City with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty (as the name implies), is undergoing renovations to update its interior spaces for a more modern look and feel. We asked the lead designer, Sallyann Farnum of DXB Design Studio, some questions about the project, her design philosophies, choices around sustainability and more. With over 30 years of industry experience, Farnum brings valuable expertise to this reimagining of Liberty Towers.
Farnum began working on Liberty Towers by sitting down with Veris’ project management team to determine what she calls the “lifestyle branding” (sometimes called placemaking) for the community. With numerous spaces being updated throughout the Towers, establishing clear objectives from the start was crucial. This initial step is essential whether designing or redesigning a space, with renovation projects often presenting unique challenges. Key considerations include whether to match the previous aesthetic or create something entirely new, while maintaining what sets Veris apart from other residences.
The next phase involved examining each space and determining their function. While aesthetics are important, they must work in tandem with the room’s function. This approach ensures resources aren’t wasted and the budget is used effectively. For Veris communities, this means creating multi-functional communal spaces that maintain our commitment to sustainability.
The Veris Promise, our pledge to provide an unmatched welcome home experience influenced every aspect of the design process. Special attention was paid to designing an inviting lobby, which will be renovated in 2025. While the building offers incredible views, for Farnum the interior design takes precedence over external spectacles. They’re a bonus, not a feature.
Keeping with our dedication to sustainability, which also falls in line with Farnum’s own values, all of the materials used in Liberty Towers’ renovation are “cradle to cradle.” This means they’re reclaimable, reusable or recyclable. For example, when the carpets reach the end of their lifecycle, they’ll be returned to their company of origin to be recycled into new carpets. While materials come from various providers, each is carefully vetted to ensure they meet strict sustainability standards.
The renovation includes:
- Greenery and moss walls
- Sustainable furniture and fixtures
- Inclusive seating accommodating people of all sizes
- Materials meeting cradle-to-cradle standards
One of the project’s greatest strengths has been the collaborative relationship between DXB Design Studio and the Veris project management team. The shared vision within The Veris Promise has facilitated seamless cooperation and idea generation.
At Veris Residential, our commitment extends beyond maintaining modern, amenable communities. Our highest priority is ensuring our spaces remain safe, equitable and welcoming to everyone—from the first call to the leasing office to move-out day.
