by The Jersey Journal 

 Friday June 12, 2009, 1:16 PM

The Powerhouse building in Downtown Jersey City- the linchpin to a planned arts district- is about to receive a $3.4 million facelift.

With Jersey City and the Port Authority of new York and new Jersey each picking up half the tab, preservationists and government officials kicked off a "stabilization" project to protect the 101-year-old , nine story building yesterday.

Referring to the structure as an "architectural jewel" and " Jersey City 's Grand Central Station," Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy said it is slated to become an entertainment and retail center with cafes, restaurants, galleries and perhaps a movie theater that will be the cornerstone of a new artists district.