Frank Sinatra's Hoboken Birthplace Is Now 'Frank's Place' Condos

HOBOKEN, NJ — A developer did it his way recently, erecting a five-story condominium building at the Hoboken address where famous crooner Frank Sinatra spent his childhood. The new luxury "Frank's Place" condominiums pay tribute to the singer with a bronze star embedded in the outside wall (it used to be in the sidewalk), and artistic tributes inside.

Back in 1967, Sinatra's childhood home at 415 Monroe St. — on the west side of town, 15 blocks from the waterfront — was destroyed in a fatal fire. The site remained empty for decades, owned by a retired police officer who used it for parking. At one point, in 1996, a local businessman and fan placed the bronze star in the sidewalk in appreciation of singer. Tourists have stopped off while visiting the mile-square city for its waterfront views and history.

Now the bronze star has ascended a bit higher, although not quite to the moon.

The developer, Red Bridge Homes, has paid tribute to the singer in other spots in the new building. There's a portrait of Ol' Blue Eyes on a wall inside, and the corridor to the elevator is designated "My Way."

If you want to see the star

Tourists wishing to see the bronze star can take a half-mile walk east from the Hoboken train terminal, approximately 15 blocks, or walk about a quarter mile west from the Hudson Bergen Light Rail Second Street station. Along the way, they'll see hallmarks of the close-knit Italian families who've lived in that area for decades, including small churches, social clubs, and some revered Italian delis.

Condos in the new building have recently sold for more than $1.2 million.

A sign on the windows last month said that three of the seven condos were still available.

The developer says: "Built from concrete and steel, these 3- and 4-bedroom homes range in size from 1,198 to nearly 2,000 square feet and include on-site parking."

You can see interiors and a video here.

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