Meridia Freedom Pier Project Approved in Gloucester City

Two-building residential development with waterfront restaurant and commercial space gets green light from planning board

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Gloucester City Planning Board unanimously approved the Meridia mixed-use residential project on the Freedom Pier property. The project will feature two buildings with a total of 364 apartment units, a 3,400-square-foot waterfront restaurant, and 2,000 square feet of commercial space. The development will be constructed in three phases, with the first phase focused on redeveloping the parking area used by neighboring Holt Logistics.

Why it matters

The Meridia Freedom Pier project represents a significant redevelopment of Gloucester City's waterfront, transforming an underutilized industrial area into a mixed-use residential and commercial destination. While Holt Logistics, which operates cargo ports nearby, has opposed the project, the planning board's approval marks an important milestone in the city's efforts to revitalize its waterfront and attract new investment.

The details

The project will be developed across three phases. Phase One will redevelop the parking area used by Holt Logistics. Phase Two will construct a seven-story mixed-use building on the Freedom Pier, including 247 apartment units, 2,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 3,400-square-foot waterfront restaurant. Phase Three will complete an eight-story building along King Street with 117 apartment units and 444 parking spaces, including an automated mechanical parking system. The project will maintain a public walkway around the perimeter of the pier.

  • The Gloucester City Planning Board unanimously approved the project on February 18, 2026.
  • The original proposal for the project was first reported on by 42Freeway four years ago, in 2022.

The players

Meridia

A subsidiary of Capodagli Properties, the developer of the Freedom Pier project.

Holt Logistics

A company that operates major cargo ports on both sides of the Delaware River and has its headquarters in the area near the Freedom Pier property. Holt has filed lawsuits opposing the redevelopment plan on which the Meridia project is based.

Gloucester City Planning Board

The local government body that unanimously approved the Meridia Freedom Pier project.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Meridia Freedom Pier project will now move forward with the three-phase development plan, with the first phase focused on redeveloping the parking area used by Holt Logistics. The project will also require additional approvals from Camden County due to its impact on King Street.

The takeaway

The Gloucester City Planning Board's approval of the Meridia Freedom Pier project marks a significant step forward in the city's efforts to revitalize its waterfront and attract new investment. While Holt Logistics has opposed the project, the development represents an opportunity to transform an underutilized industrial area into a mixed-use residential and commercial destination that could benefit the local community.