The Historic Preservation movement in Jersey City began in a brownstone kitchen at 102 Grand Street, when several local residents sought to address the creeping demolition of the Paulus Hook neighborhood. The residents turned to colorful local  politician, Owen Grundy, for guidance and assistance in their effort.

Grundy was the Official Historian of Jersey City, head of the Friends of the Jersey City Library, and a retired reporter for a NYC newspaper. Under Grundy’s direction, Joe Duffy, Stella Hojnacki, and several other neighbors formed the Historic Paulus Hook Association on Sunday, September 24, 1974. The HPHA was formed as a non-profit organization, to promote the common good and improve the quality of life in Paulus Hook.

The HPHA succeeded in publicizing Colgate’s land-grab and pushed the City Council to create the first Historic Districts. 

Our Mission:

The Historic Paulus Hook Association (HPHA), was founded on Sunday, September 24, 1974, as a 501(c)(3) organization, to promote the common good of area residents, improve the quality of life and advocate for open space, historic preservation, and responsible development in the Paulus Hook neighborhood of downtown Jersey City.