240 Ogden Avenue in Jersey City Heights isn’t just a house; it’s a chapter from the city’s past, a piece of forgotten Hollywood, and a beacon of architectural beauty.

Built over 150 years ago, it has seen the world change around it, transforming from a stately Gothic home into a silent film set, then into an apartment building, and finally, back into a home full of history. This is the story of a house that has lived—and lives still—on Ogden Avenue.

Built in the 1850s: A Gothic Landmark Takes Shape

The year is 1858. The quiet hillside of Jersey City Heights is starting to grow, piece by piece, plot by plot. The land is part of the old Van Vorst estate, one of the prominent families shaping Jersey City’s future.

The Heights are known for their vantage point—a natural perch above the Hudson River, looking out to Manhattan—and it’s here that a new house is built.

240 Ogden Conrad House Jersey City Heights

240 Ogden Avenue rises, with its pointed windows and unique Gothic Revival style, set against the rugged landscape of the Palisades. This home, like the neighborhood, has dreams of grandeur: space and elegance far from the busy streets below. Through the decades that follow, it becomes a centerpiece of the growing community, standing through changing hands and times, watching as Jersey City Heights transforms.

Hollywood Comes to Jersey City: The Perils of Pauline

Fast forward to the early 20th century, when the quiet streets of Ogden Avenue suddenly come alive. It’s 1914, and the world is entering the golden age of silent cinema. Pathé Frères, an early film company, chooses Jersey City Heights as a prime location to shoot a new film. With the Palisades cliffs, scenic views, and neighborhoods untouched by time, it’s perfect for the thrilling tales of “The Perils of Pauline”.

240 Ogden Avenue gets its moment of fame. Its Gothic architecture makes it the ideal setting—a church backdrop for a scene in the film. This house, which had quietly stood watch over the changing neighborhood for decades, is now part of the action-packed movie magic. The house is linked to Pearl White, the star of the film, and a key figure in early Hollywood. Rumors spread that Pearl White herself stayed there.

The term "cliffhanger" may have originated with the series, owing to a number of episodes filmed on or around the New Jersey Palisades.

Mid-20th Century: A House That Adapts

As the cameras stopped rolling and the movie industry moved west, 240 Ogden Avenue continued its story. Through the mid-20th century, it transformed, adapting to a city that was constantly evolving. By 1955, the house was owned by Theodore E. Conrad, a name known in the area for preserving historical details. But over the years, some of the original Gothic elements were hidden under layers of changes. The house became an apartment building, serving the community, yet losing some of its original charm and character.

Despite these changes, the home’s bones remained.

Restoration and Revival: Bringing Back the Glory

The turning point came in the early 2000s. The new owners took it upon themselves to breathe new life into this historic house. Partnering with Claude Armstrong of Armstrong + Cohen Architecture, they made a bold choice—to restore 240 Ogden Avenue to its former glory, respecting the past while updating it for modern life.

The restoration was no small feat. The team uncovered the original 1858 clapboard siding, restoring it piece by piece. They brought back the Gothic-inspired windows and doors, ensuring they were true to the home’s historic character. The inside was transformed to meet the needs of a modern family—an open kitchen, energy-efficient HVAC, and comfortable living spaces. Yet, all of these updates were made with respect for what the house was and still is—a beautiful, Gothic structure that has weathered the test of time.

The parlor floor, with its original Gothic windows, was restored to evoke the grandeur of its past. The mansard roof and the stoop were retained, with plans for future restoration to bring back even more of the home’s original details. Everything was done with an eye to the past and a respect for the craftsmanship that made 240 Ogden Avenue stand out in the first place.

240 Ogden Avenue Today: Living History

Today, 240 Ogden Avenue is more than just a house—it’s a piece of living history.

It’s a reminder of Jersey City Heights’ beginnings, its role in early Hollywood, and the resilience of its architecture. It’s seen the Heights grow from farmland to bustling streets, it’s felt the excitement of silent films, and it’s experienced the love and care of restoration that brought it back to life.

If you find yourself in Jersey City Heights, take a walk down Ogden Avenue. Pause for a moment in front of 240 Ogden. Look at the Gothic details, imagine the thrill of movie-making, and know that this house holds within it the spirit of an entire community—a spirit of history, transformation, and enduring beauty.

This historic home is on the market. Will you be its next owner?

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