Over the last few years, Rutgers University-Newark has been expanding its presence within the city’s downtown. From the Express Newark space at the Hahne & Company development to the upcoming Honors Living-Learning Community along the Halsey Street corridor and to the rehabilitation of 15 Washington Street, there are now more signs of the institution within the Newark Central Business District. Now, several major changes are planned for properties owned by the university near the Rutgers Law School.
On Monday, March 12, the Newark Central Planning Board is scheduled to conduct a special public hearing regarding 155 Washington Street Urban Renewal, LLC’s proposal for the adaptive reuse of one of the Central Ward’s tallest buildings. A legal notice from the City of Newark confirms that a developer is seeking to turn the 18-story Rutgers-owned structure at 155 Washington Street, between Warren and Linden Streets, into a mixed-use development. If approved, the proposal would allow the 208-foot building to be rehabilitated and converted into around 225 residential units, retail space, and 4,000 square feet of “institutional uses.”
155 Washington Street dates back to 1930, according to Emporis. Currently, the building is largely vacant and is attached to a two-story building at the corner of Washington and Warren Streets. The street-level portion of the structure was most recently occupied by Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey and the Washington Corners Legal Center.
However, the plans for the adaptive reuse of the existing building are not the only part of this proposal. The legal notice states that the developer is also planning to construct a four-story residential building on the surrounding property. The new development would include 29 units if approved and parking would be provided on the premises.
In addition, all of the tracts related to the proposal, including 141-149, 151-153, 155, and 157-159 Washington Street along with 24-26 Warren Place could be designated as areas in need of redevelopment by the Newark Municipal Council in the near future.
155 Washington Street Urban Renewal, LLC is seeking Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval in connection with the application for both buildings. The Newark Central Planning Board’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
