A building called ‘The Residences at Symphony Hall’ will rise at 359-407 Halsey Street in Newark’s Central Ward, between West Kinney Street and Crawford Street. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in June for this four-story development, an affordable community containing 20 one-bedroom units and 40-two bedroom units.
According to a statement from the City’s Department of Economic and Housing Development, six units will be reserved for individuals with a mental illness and nine units will be set aside for residents who both are experiencing homelessness and have a disability. A community room, a play area, rehearsal space, a social services suite, and 55 parking spaces will also be included at The Residences.
The project is being developed by Collingswood, Camden County-based Ingerman and Paoli, Pennsylvania-based BCM Affordable Housing, in association with the Actors Fund Housing Development Corporation, the Mental Health Association of Essex County, and the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity. City records from earlier this month show that the developers are slated to receive a Federal HOME Funds loan for $950,000.
Previously, the site was used for private parking, but it sat vacant for several years until now. NJ Parcels records show that the property was acquired in March for $1.4 million.
The development is named for Newark Symphony Hall, a historic 91-year-old arts center along Broad Street just two blocks east of the site that frequently holds concerts and community events. The lot is located in a neighborhood called the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District that has a growing arts community. City Without Walls Gallery, which brands itself as New Jersey’s oldest not-for-profit alternative art space, is just down the street from the property, and the neighborhood hosts the annual Lincoln Park Music Festival.
“We are excited to see the artistic community and its resources in and around Lincoln Park grow”, said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka in the statement.
Such growth in the neighborhood can be seen in nearby developments as well. Projects like the James Moody Apartment and the Willie Bell Hooper Apartments were completed five years ago, and the Washington Street Coast Cultural Condominiums at 462 Washington Street opened earlier this year. Development is underway on other area projects like the Lofts at Lincoln Park at 90 Clinton Avenue and the rehabilitation of a city-owned abandoned building at 449 Washington Street into eight apartments.
