A Lumber Giant Shifts for a New Rail Era

The Gateway Tunnel project is reshaping the landscape of North Jersey. One of the casualties of this ambitious plan is Dykes Lumber, a longstanding business that has been a fixture in Weehawken for decades. The company has finally shut its doors at its longtime location to pave the way for the new rail project. This move marks the end of an era for Dykes Lumber, which has been a staple in the area since the mid-1900s. The business started in Hoboken before moving to Weehawken. It has been a familiar sight for those traveling on Park Avenue. The company's president, Charles Kreyer, confirmed the closure. He shared that the original yard was across the street but moved to its current location in 1985. This move allowed for the development of the waterfront. The sale of the Weehawken property to Amtrak for $60 million facilitated this transition. The funds from this sale enabled Dykes Lumber to purchase a large warehouse in North Bergen. This new location is just three miles away from the old site. The new site offers several advantages. It is located in a lower sales tax zone, which can be beneficial for the business. The company is currently operating out of the warehouse while renovating the space. A new state-of-the-art showroom is also in the works. The main office staff moved out of Weehawken at the start of the year. The entire yard was relocated by the end of February. The Gateway Project aims to upgrade and provide more rail access between North Jersey and Manhattan. This project is part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure in the region. The closure of Dykes Lumber is a small price to pay for the potential benefits that the Gateway Project could bring. However, it is a reminder of the changes that come with progress. The new location offers a fresh start for Dykes Lumber. It will be interesting to see how the company adapts to its new surroundings.