Officials will soon be listening to proposals to revitalize the site of a former prison in Camden, which offers majestic views of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia skyline.
New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) recently issued a Request for Expressions of Interest looking to solicit development proposals at a portion of the former Riverfront Prison property. The land the state is hoping to revamp also includes a portion of the former Weeks Marine Site nearby.
The former prison was demolished in 2009, and the property has remained vacant since. The lot site was previously offered as a potential location for a new Philadelphia 76ers basketball arena or practice facility. Still, the team eventually decided to build their new digs in South Philadelphia instead.
The parcel is located entirely within the North Camden Waterfront Study Area Redevelopment Plan, and the state will consider bids with a few parameters. The proposal includes any plans that involve NJEDA involvement or an equity stake in the project, plans that would have a redeveloper purchasing the site outright, or deals that would involve leasing the property from the state.
Per the Request for Proposal, “all proposed redevelopment must create or retain employment in New Jersey either directly or through businesses at the site; assist and encourage economic development in the City; increase the City’s tax base; result in cultural, recreational, or tourism facilities”, or “be mixed use projects consisting of market rate housing and commercial development.”
The NJDEA’s statement notes that any proposed redevelopment of the site cannot be comprised solely of housing. The state is also looking to construct a waterfront green space that could be connected to the potential project.
The site itself has easy access to the waterfront and is within walking distance of spots like the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Wiggins Riverfront Stage, the Adventure Aquarium, and nearby historic sites like the Walt Whitman House, the Battleship New Jersey, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It is next door to the 17th-century Benjamin Cooper Tavern, which is undergoing an ongoing restoration project.
“This [Request for Proposals] is a major milestone in Camden’s continued renaissance, and we are looking forward to the new opportunities that the redevelopment of this property will bring,” said Governor Phil Murphy in a statement. “We are committed to pursuing a project that meaningfully benefits the community and ensures that Camden residents reap the economic benefits.”
Interested developers will need to submit their proposals for possible redevelopment by the end of the day of December 9th.
