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Baldwin Equities building and revitalizing over 370K sq. ft. while adding 63 affordable housing units

By Avimoo,

Article Source: https://www.roi-nj.com/2024/05/08/real_estate/baldwin-equities-building-and-revitalizing-over-370k-sq-ft-while-adding-63-affordable-housing-units/

By ROI-NJ Staff (Newark )
 

Real estate developer Baldwin Equities is investing in Newark’s ongoing revitalization through a large-scale, innovative, mixed-use portfolio that consists of four unique properties across New Jersey’s largest city.

The real estate firm Tuesday announced the latest updates regarding over 370,000 square feet of luxury residential apartments, including some with stunning views of downtown Newark and the Manhattan skyline. In addition, 20% of all Baldwin residential units will be affordable, adding 63 affordable housing units to Newark.

“Baldwin Equities is looking toward the future, and we see Newark as a vibrant city and transit hub in close proximity to New York City with unlimited potential,” Avi Benamu, managing partner of Winchester Equities, which partnered with Summit Assets to create Baldwin Equities, said. “We are excited to be part of the revitalization of this great city by bringing modern residences and top-tier amenities to the area.”

Four of the mixed-use properties in Baldwin Equities’ portfolio include:

  • 43-53 William St./the William: This 103,000-square-foot, mixed-use development featuring 63 luxury rental units with state-of-the-art amenities and over 14,000 square feet of rental space that is occupied by one of the nation’s fastest growing child care centers, the Learning Experience. The project was completed in May 2022, is fully occupied and includes 20% affordable housing units.
  • 810 Broad St.: Baldwin purchased the former Hotel Indigo and historic bank building in early 2022, transforming the 90,000-square-foot building in the heart of downtown Newark into a luxury microapartment building with 100 premier furnished units, 20% of which will be affordable housing. Baldwin Residence features a rooftop with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, an incubator business hub, hotel-like amenities and an upscale Southern soul food-inspired restaurant, Delta’s Southern Cuisine & Cocktails. Delta’s recently received a nearly $3.5 million grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for the renovation, which will include a restaurant and live music venue and rooftop lounge on the basement, first floor and rooftop of the building. The anticipated opening of Delta’s is in September. Baldwin Residence is open for preleasing.
  • 303 Washington St./the Distrikt: Baldwin is preserving and converting a former office building, 303 Washington St., into the Distrikt, a high-end, 100,000-square-foot residential building with 92 units featuring 12-foot ceilings and amenities like a screening room, a spa, a self-checkout minimarket and an indoor and outdoor rooftop. Baldwin has designated 20% of units as affordable housing. This project just received payment-in-lieu-of-taxes approval and is scheduled to open by the end of the year.
  • 1033 Broad St.: An iconic Newark landmark, Baldwin partnered with local nonprofit Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District to breathe new life into the former South Park Calvary Presbyterian Church façade located in the heart of Newark’s Lincoln Park, which has sat vacant for over decades until conveyed to LPCCD nearly 20 years ago. The 80,000-square-foot, mixed-use development property will include over 60 rental apartments for young professionals and artists, 20% of which will be affordable housing. The property will also include office space for LPCCD, as well as an outdoor terrace, rooftop and speakeasy to continue revitalizing the Lincoln Park community. Jointly with LPCCD, Baldwin recently applied for city planning approval. Pending approvals, the scheduled completion date is 2026.

“Newark is a great place to live, work and play, and the development taking place in Lincoln Park along the southern corridor of the Arts and Education District is a great example of all that the city has to offer,” Anthony Smith, executive director of LPCCD, said. “We are excited to work with Baldwin Equities to expand safe, quality, affordable housing to continue increasing the quality of life in the area.”

CategoriesNews

New 100-unit micro-apartment project at historic Newark building hits the market

By Avimoo,

Article source: https://re-nj.com/new-100-unit-micro-apartment-project-at-historic-newark-building-hits-the-market/

By Joshua Burd

Renters are getting their first look at new micro-apartments in Newark as part of a project that has converted a historic bank and hotel property in the heart of the city’s downtown.

Baldwin Equities, the developer behind the retrofit, announced Tuesday that preleasing is underway at what’s known as Indigo Residence at 810 Broad St. The building is hitting the market two years after the firm acquired what was the Hotel Indigo, which operated inside the former First National State Bank building, with plans to create 100 furnished, luxury micro-units with Murphy beds, modern kitchenettes and 65-inch smart TVs, among other features.

Twenty percent of the rentals will be reserved as affordable housing, according to a news release. Indigo Residence will also have amenities such as a rooftop with views of the Manhattan skyline, an incubator business hub and an upscale soul food-inspired restaurant, Delta’s Southern Cuisine & Cocktails, which is slated to open in September.

“Baldwin Equities is looking toward the future, and we see Newark as a vibrant city and transit hub in close proximity to New York City with unlimited potential,” said Avi Benamu, managing partner of Winchester Equities, which partnered with Summit Assets to create Baldwin Equities. “We are excited to be part of the revitalization of this great city by bringing modern residences and top-tier amenities to the area.”

The Distrikt will bring 92 apartments and amenities to a former office building at 303 Washington St. in Newark.

The developer provided the update on Indigo Residence alongside details about several other completed and ongoing projects in Newark. Another residential property, The Distrikt, is slated to open by year-end at the site of a former office building at 303 Washington St., with plans calling for with 92 units with 12-foot ceiling heights and amenities such as a screening room, a spa, a self-checkout mini-market and indoor and outdoor rooftop spaces.

At 1033 Broad St., Baldwin partnered with the nonprofit Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District to breathe revive the former South Park Calvary Presbyterian Church, which has sat vacant for decades until it was conveyed to the organization nearly 20 years ago, the news release said. The firm noted that the 80,000-square-foot, mixed-use property will include more than 60 apartments for young professionals and artists and office space for LPCCD, as well as an outdoor terrace, a rooftop and a speakeasy to continue revitalizing the Lincoln Park area.

Baldwin recently applied for city planning approval in conjunction with LPCCD, the firm said. Pending approvals, the scheduled completion date is 2026.

The projects, which will each reserve 20 percent of their units for lower-income renters, follow Baldwin’s recent completion of a 103,000-square-foot, mixed-use development at 43-53 William St. Known as The William, the property has 63 luxury homes with amenities and more than 14,000 square feet of rental space that is occupied by one of the nation’s fastest-growing childcare centers, The Learning Experience.

CategoriesNews

Baldwin Equities Investing In Newark’s Ongoing Revitalization

By Avimoo,

Article Source: https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/baldwin-equities-investing-newark-s-ongoing-revitalization-nodx

By Maggie Leuzarder,Neighbor

Real estate developer building, revitalizing over 370,000 square feet through mixed-use portfolio while adding 63 affordable housing units.

 

Newark, New Jersey – Real estate developer Baldwin Equities is investing in Newark’s ongoing revitalization through a large-scale, innovative, mixed-use portfolio that consists of four unique properties across New Jersey’s largest city. The real estate firm today announced the latest updates regarding over 370,000 square feet of luxury residential apartments, including some with stunning views of downtown Newark and the Manhattan skyline. In addition, 20% of all Baldwin residential units will be affordable, adding 63 affordable housing units to Newark.

“Baldwin Equities is looking toward the future, and we see Newark as a vibrant city and transit hub in close proximity to New York City with unlimited potential,” said Avi Benamu, Managing Partner of Winchester Equities, which partnered with Summit Assets to create Baldwin Equities. “We are excited to be part of the revitalization of this great city by bringing modern residences and top-tier amenities to the area.”

Four of the mixed-use properties in Baldwin Equities’ portfolio include:

  • 43-53 William Street/The William – This 103,000-square-foot, mixed-use development featuring 63 luxury rental units with state-of-the-art amenities and over 14,000 square feet of rental space that is occupied by one of the nation’s fastest growing childcare centers, The Learning Experience. The project was completed in May 2022, is fully occupied and includes 20% affordable housing units.
  • 810 Broad Street/Indigo Residence – Baldwin purchased the former Hotel Indigo and historic bank building in early 2022, transforming the 90,000-square-foot building in the heart of downtown Newark into a luxury, micro-apartment building with 100 premier furnished units, 20% of which will be affordable housing. Indigo Residence features a rooftop with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, an incubator business hub, hotel-like amenities and an upscale southern soul food-inspired restaurant, Delta’s Southern Cuisine & Cocktails. Delta’s recently received a nearly $3.5 million grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) for the renovation, which will include a restaurant and live music venue and rooftop lounge on the basement, first floor and rooftop of the building. The anticipated opening of Delta’s is in September 2024. Indigo Residence is open for pre-leasing.
  • 303 Washington Street/The Distrikt – A former office building, Baldwin is preserving and converting 303 Washington Street into The Distrikt, a high-end, 100,000-square-foot residential building with 92 units featuring 12-foot ceilings and amenities like a screening room, a spa, a self-checkout minimarket and an indoor and outdoor rooftop. Baldwin has designated 20% of units as affordable housing. This project just received PILOT approval and is scheduled to open by the end of the year.
  • 1033 Broad Street – An iconic Newark landmark, Baldwin partnered with local beloved non-profit Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) to breathe new life into the former South Park Calvary Presbyterian Church facade located in the heart of Newark’s Lincoln Park, which has sat vacant for over decades until conveyed to LPCCD nearly 20 years ago. The 80,000-square-foot, mixed-use development property will include over 60 rental apartments for young professionals and artists, 20% of which will be affordable housing. The property will also include office space for LPCCD, as well as an outdoor terrace, rooftop and speakeasy to continue revitalizing the Lincoln Park community. Jointly with LPCCD, Baldwin recently applied for city planning approval. Pending approvals, the scheduled completion date is 2026.

Across all of its properties, Baldwin is committed to investing in the City of Newark:

  • 20% of all Baldwin residential units will be affordable housing units.
  • Indigo Residence will offer flexible meeting and conference room space to local entrepreneurs to help attract, develop, and create a community for young professionals.
  • Sharing equity, LPCCD and Baldwin Equities are developing the “crown jewel” historic Lincoln Park Church Facade project which will positively impact the creative economy in downtown Newark’s Lincoln Park, with modern, flexible space and a permanent home for LPCCD to operate from.

“Newark is a great place to live, work and play, and the development taking place in Lincoln Park along the southern corridor of the Arts and Education District is a great example of all that the city has to offer,” said Anthony Smith, Executive Director of LPCCD, a nonprofit that is committed to supporting Newark’s Lincoln Park’s transformation into a healthy, safe and vibrant neighborhood. LPCCD is partnering with Baldwin to advance the historic Lincoln Park Church Facade Project, under the auspices of newly formed 1033 Broad Street. “We are excited to work with Baldwin Equities to expand safe, quality, affordable housing to continue increasing the quality of life in the area.”

To learn more about Baldwin Equities, visit: https://baldwinequities.com/.

About Baldwin Equities
Winchester Equities partnered with Summit Assets in 2018 to create Newark-based Baldwin Equities and expand its portfolio to New Jersey’s largest city, Newark. With a name inspired by writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin, Baldwin Equities is invested in the future of Newark and is working to transform the local landscape through innovative, large-scale real estate development projects. Baldwin is committed to advancing the ongoing urban revitalization of Newark through projects that include mixed-use luxury rental apartments with affordable components. Visit https://baldwinequities.com/ to learn more.

CategoriesLincoln Perk

Landmark Church in Newark’s Lincoln Park Could Be Converted in Apartments

By Avimoo,

Article source: https://jerseydigs.com/south-park-presbyterian-church-newark-conversion/

By Darren Tobia – December 6, 2022
 
  
The spires of Newark’s South Park Presbyterian Church, designed to resemble an ancient greek monument, are immediately recognizable to anyone who has visited Lincoln Park. 

 

The long abandoned church, which fell victim to a fire in 1992, is one of those landmarks that become etched in the memory. Now, with the help of Gensler, it could finally see a restoration after three decades in limbo. The architecture firm released renderings — published in the Positive Community magazine — of a six-story building that would rise behind the preserved 19th-century facade at 1033 Broad Street.

 

The church, at 1030 Broad Street, is listed on the National Register. Courtesy of Gensler.

 

The church, which is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is notable for having hosted a speech by Abraham Lincoln, who stopped here en route to his inauguration in Washington, DC. Before the fire, its design was admired by architectural historian Donald Gever, who authored the National Register nomination.

“The detailed execution of this plan in this instance has no superior in the city of Newark,” Gever wrote.

The project could be a bellwether for the turnaround of Lincoln Park Historic District, which includes Symphony Hall and several Gilded Age mansions, including the former home of brewer Christian Feigenspan. The neighborhood has fallen ill to drugs and prostitution, but community leaders like the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, the building’s owner, are spurring a revival with arts initiatives, such as the Lincoln Park Music Festival.

The current proposal for a 60-unit residential building marks a change in plans from 2017, when renderings emerged to convert the property into a performing arts space, Jersey Digs reported. Since then, LPCCD has diversified its mission to develop more affordable housing in the community.

“We want to create harmony and hold space for native Newarkers and “new” Newarkers who see Newark as a great place to live-work-play and thrive,” Anthony Smith, executive director at LPCCD, told Jersey Digs.

CategoriesIndigo Residence

Micro-apartments coming to Newark, as concept expands in New Jersey cities

By Avimoo,

Article Source: https://re-nj.com/micro-apartments-coming-to-newark-as-concept-expands-in-new-jersey-cities/

By Tina Traster

An affiliate of Winchester Equities is set to open nearly 100 micro-apartments at 810 Broad St., the site of a historic former bank building in Newark that had been converted to a hotel before being sold to the Manhattan-based firm. 

 

Nearly a decade ago, InterContinental Hotels Group opened the 108-room Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown in a historic former bank building at 810 Broad Street. The notion of a boutique hotel was hopeful, but it didn’t survive. What it left behind was a space for another developer to experiment with a different trendy concept.

Indigo Residences, as the 106-unit project will be known, will likely be Newark’s first micro-apartment building.

“We weren’t looking to build micro-apartments when we purchased the building,” said Avi Benamu, managing partner of an affiliate of Manhattan-based Winchester Equities. “We found a good building right in the heart of central Newark, close to transport, entertainment, and work centers. We’re not big players in commercial, office or hotel development — we’re more comfortable with residential.”

Redeveloping the building with one- and two-bedroom units at first seemed the obvious way to go. But then the developers took a page from Brooklyn-based co-living projects in Bushwick and Bedford Stuyvesant that offer young professionals furnished apartments and shared facilities that are more affordable than typical studios or one-bedrooms.

“The trend in housing for millennials and young professionals is shifting to urban areas, smaller spaces, walkability and shared amenities,” said Benamu, whose firm is slated to complete the project around year-end.

Micro-apartments, which are typically less than 450 square feet, are not new to Asian capitals or even large cities like New York. Carmel Place at 335 East 27th St. became New York City’s first apartment building devoted exclusively to micro-units in 2015 with 55 micro apartments ranging in size from 260 to 360 square feet — half the size of a typical studio — and shared amenities, setting a new standard for micro-living. The project has been watched closely as a new housing prototype in urban centers and for its groundbreaking use of modular construction.

Increasingly, the concept is migrating to smaller cities such as Newark and Jersey City, and the City of Newburgh in the Hudson Valley, as young professionals are continuously squeezed out of an increasingly prohibitive rental market where studios in Manhattan rent for up to $3,500 monthly.

Plans to expand Newburgh’s housing stock are underway in two projects on the city’s densely populated East End, with 67 micro-units planned for housing developments at 17 and 19 Johnston St. and 143 Washington St.

Not to be confused with single room occupancy units, which are illegal in Newburgh, the micro-units will be 500-square-foot, self-contained apartments with a kitchenette and a bathroom, similar to a studio apartment. It could be more than a year before they are available.

A micro-apartment is a single living space with a small kitchen, bedroom and bathroom — in essence, a smaller version of a studio apartment. Think of how a tiny house or a boat’s living quarters are designed — sleek, functional and clever. Good design is at the heart of micro-apartments geared for single occupants.

The pioneer developers of Nest Micro Apartments on Academy Street in Jersey City, the state’s first, say the ground-up construction of 122 furnished studio units that opened in August 2018 is fully leased. Average rents have increased from $1,500 to $1,725 monthly — compared to average studio rentals of $2,700 a month. Smart design and transformable furniture maximize every inch of space, which creates homes that function like those twice the size. Residents have access to amenities such as a coffee lounge, on-site laundry facilities, storage units, a gym and others.

Nest Micro Apartments at 190 Academy St. in Jersey City — Courtesy: KSNY

The development team — Smart Living Development LLC, a venture of KSNY and Strategic Properties — is planning two more micro-projects in undisclosed locations in Jersey City.

Keith Schwebel

“We’re chasing two other deals because tenants love it,” said Keith Schwebel, CEO of KSNY. “The financial equation works because, even though you’re charging less per unit, you’re getting more dollars per square foot.”

March Associates Construction and GRO Architects served as the general contractor and architect for Nest Micro Apartments, respectively.

Reading the tea leaves, Winchester plans to renovate 810 Broad St. with the help of a $21.5 million loan from Parkview Financial. The project at the 13-story, 90,000-square-foot structure across from the Prudential Center will include 98 micro-studios measuring around 360 square feet and eight one-bedroom units ranging from 664 to 695 square feet. Twenty-two units will be slated for low-income housing.

Each apartment will come fully furnished with Murphy-style beds, shelving, storage areas, modern kitchenettes, wine coolers, 65-inch smart TVs, videoconferencing technology and smart thermostats, among other upgrades.

The Newark project has attracted New Brunswick-based Delta’s restaurant to open an eatery on both the ground floor and for rooftop service.

810 Broad St. was built in 1912 as the headquarters of First National State Bank and was designed by Cass Gilbert, who also designed the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington D.C. and the Woolworth Building in New York City. In 2014, the building underwent a $29 million renovation by the Hanini Group to convert the property to a hotel.

After Winchester bought the building, the development team was at an inflection point. They knew they wanted to convert to residential, but a gut renovation would have cost more and taken longer, especially with supply chain challenges and building material shortages.

“To knock down the walls, especially with the cost of construction today, would have meant spending more on construction and we would have had bigger but fewer apartments,” Benamu said. “We looked at a more specific demographic based on research and what we were seeing with co-living. The younger workforce is flexible. They know what good design looks like. They want amenities, interactions, experiences. With 810, we can include a movie screening room, conference room, room service — like a hotel — Amazon lockers, juice bar, café.”

Indigo Residences will offer 12-month leases to begin from $2,100 to $2,800 monthly. Affordable units will start at $1,400 monthly. In addition to targeting millennials looking for smart living at affordable rents, Benamu said his company will market the units to large organizations like Prudential Center to have apartments available for its workforce. And if the model works, it will be replicated.

“This model lends itself to urban centers like Newark, which is attracting more and more young professionals,” Benamu said. “More people want to live like this. They’re looking for affordability, everything all in. All they need is a suitcase and a toothbrush to move in.”

CategoriesIndigo Residence

Parkview Financial Provides $21.5 Million Loan for Vacant Hotel Acquisition and Conversion to Apartments/Retail in Newark, NJ

By Avimoo,

Article Source: https://rew-online.com/parkview-financial-provides-21-5-million-loan-for-vacant-hotel-acquisition-and-conversion-to-apartments-retail-in-newark-nj/

Parkview Financial announced today it has provided a $21.5 million loan to Broad Street Ventures Urban Renewal, LLC, an entity of Winchester Equities, LLC, for the purchase and conversion of a currently vacant, 13-story, 90,000-square-foot (sf) hotel into a 106-unit multifamily building with a 7,500-sf ground floor restaurant. Located at 810 Broad Street in Newark, NJ, the project is now underway with completion anticipated for late 2022.

Once renovated, the property will include a unit mix of 98 micro-studios each totaling approximately 357 sf and eight one-bedroom units ranging between 664 sf and 695 sf. All of the apartments will come fully furnished with 22 slated for low-income housing. The interiors will feature high-end murphy bed solutions, shelving, storage areas, modern kitchenettes, wine coolers, 65” smart TVs, video conferencing technology, and smart thermostats, among other upgrades. The property will also offer common area amenities such as a fitness center, a spa, laundry facilities on each floor, a co-working lounge, a party room, a café, and the only rooftop bar in Newark with views of New York City.

“This will be Winchester Equities’ fifth project in Newark,” said Paul Rahimian, CEO and Founder of Parkview Financial. “Parkview saw this as a favorable opportunity to lend to an experienced developer and owner. We believe that this strategically located asset will be attractive to college students and young professionals within this rapidly growing Essex County submarket.”

Located across from The Prudential Center, the property provides excellent access to local transportation such as the PATH train to New York City and the New Jersey Transit train.

810 Broad Street was built in 1912 as the headquarters of First National State Bank and was designed by Cass Gilbert, who also designed the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington D.C. and the Woolworth Building in New York City. In 2014, the building underwent a $29 million hotel conversion renovation.

Winchester Equities recently completed a 63-unit luxury apartment building at 45-53 William Street (William House) and is currently underway on a 60,000-fs multifamily renovation at 303 Washington Street.

CategoriesWilliam House

Towering glass mosaic mural of Whitney Houston pays tribute to late singer, city’s musical roots

By Avimoo,

Article Source: https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2020/12/towering-glass-mosaic-mural-of-whitney-houston-in-newark-pays-tribute-to-late-singer-citys-musical-roots.html

By Rebecca Panico | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The artist who crafted a towering mural of the late Whitney Houston by putting together more than 1,000 glass pieces on a luxury apartment building in Newark has finished her work.

The 19 foot by 28 foot mosaic was more than just a tribute to the late iconic singer, who was born in Newark and sang in the gospel choir at New Hope Baptist Church as a child. It was a way to uplift the community and remind residents along with visitors that Houston got her start in the Brick City, a place with rich musical roots.

The artwork was unveiled Wednesday in a virtual ceremony.

“It’s a great feeling to know that people are coming together to create something special for everyone,” said Pat Houston, the sister-in-law of the late singer. “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that people still have that love for Whitney.”

The glass mosaic was placed alongside William House at 45 William St., which neighbors Teacher’s Village. It’s the second mural in a series of five the Grammy Museum Experience at the Prudential Center has brought to different wards in Newark.

“How do we make sure as investment comes back to cities and there’s a lot of focus on revitalizing the physical space, that we ensure that residents are able to enjoy in that economic growth and continue to move up an economic ladder?” said Prudential Foundation President Shané Harris over a social media unveiling. “And art, in many ways, is a critical driver for social change and community building.” 

Maude Lemaire, who has lived in Newark for 18 years, was selected to craft the mural in the city’s downtown. She said it took about four months to properly place the pieces together and another month to put it up on the building.

“It depends on how the sun hits the pieces,” Lemaire said in an interview for the unveiling. “It’s going to give a really nice effect from downstairs.” 

Newark-based artist Maude Lemaire said it took her about a month to put the glass mosaic pieces for the Whitney Houston mural on a mixed-use apartment building at 45 William St. in Newark.GRAMMY Museum Experience at the Prudential Center

Houston died in 2012 at the age of 48. She was honored in 2009 by Guinness World Records as the most awarded female act of all time. She earned 6 Grammy Awards and was the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 songs, including “Saving All My Love For You” and “How Will I Know?”

She was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November.

Whitney Houston performed at the State Fair in September, 1987

The singer was part of a famed musical family, who also had roots in Newark. Her mother, Cissy Houston, was a member of the Drinkard Singers that also featured Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick. All of them were members of New Hope Baptist Church on Sussex Avenue in Newark.

The mural was made in collaboration with the City of Newark, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Prudential Financial, Newark Arts and Baldwin Equities – which owns William House.

Mayor Ras Baraka, the son of poet and activist Amiri Baraka, said Newark has always had a thriving jazz and blues scene that was brought from the traditional gospel music in the Deep South.

“I think Whitney Houston – who is an icon in this neighborhood and in this community, period – deserves a mural,” the mayor said. “But more importantly, people get to feel her presence in that art, still reminding them of such a beautiful voice – a melodic voice – and an incredible person.”

Newark Arts Executive Director Jeremy Johnson said the mural will allow people to get out during the coronavirus pandemic and experience art in a safe way.

“This is really going to be a major high point in the history of Newark as a place where public art is front and center,” Johnson said.

The GRAMMY Museum Experience has honored Houston in other ways. In 2018, the museum showcased her awards, clothing and other memorabilia in an exhibit.

The museum also unveiled a mural of three-time Grammy award-winning rapper Wyclef Jean in the city’s West Ward about two years ago.

A mural of Wyclef Jean was unveiled in 2018 in Newark’s West Ward.GRAMMY Museum Experience

Separately, the city in recent weeks unveiled murals in Newark from other artists and groups.

Grace Lynne Haynes was the artist behind the Sojourner Truth mural on Edison Place, while the poet Ntozake Shange is showcased in a mural on Crawford Street by Yendor Productions President Malcolm Rolling, Andrece Brady and Hans Lundy.

Grace Lynne Haynes created the Sojourner Truth mural located on Edison Place in Newark.City of Newark
The poet Ntozake Shange is showcased in a mural on Crawford Street by Yendor Productions President Malcolm Rolling, Andrece Brady and Hans Lundy.City of Newark

Artist Layqa Nuna Yawar, photographer Chrystofer Davis and poet Jasmine Mans created the mural on McCarter Highway that depicts activists, a child in a mask and a father. The Four Corners Public Art Project also completed the second phase of the Will You Be My Monument project on Treat Place, which features a picture of a girl who celebrated her eighth birthday the same night the Christopher Columbus statue was removed from Washington Park.

Artist Layqa Nuna Yawar, photographer Chrystofer Davis and poet Jasmine Mans created the mural on McCarter Highway between Edison Place and Lafayette Street in Newark.courtesy of City of Newark
The Four Corners Public Art Project completed the second phase of the Will You Be My Monument project on Treat Place, which features a picture of a girl who celebrated her eighth birthday the same night the Christopher Columbus statue was removed from Washington Park.courtesy of City of Newark
CategoriesWilliam House

Whitney Houston to shine on in glass mosaic mural in N.J. downtown

By Avimoo,
By Rebecca Panico | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

 

A shimmering hand-cut glass mural of the late Whitney Houston will be built on a luxury apartment complex in the downtown section of Newark, the city where she was born.

The mural is the second of five that the Grammy Museum Experience at the Prudential Center has brought to Newark by collaborating with other city groups. While the first was located in the West Ward, this one will be constructed on the facade of William House, a new mixed-use project at 45 William St. in the city’s Central Ward.

Maude Lemaire, a Newark-based artist, was selected to create the second installation. The 19 feet by 28 feet mural will feature more than 1,000 pounds of hand-cut glass in a mosaic.

“Having a presence in Newark is certainly an honor for Whitney’s Legacy,” said Pat Houston, the sister-in-law of the late singer. “This Mural represents a continuation of an Iconic Legend who undoubtedly will be remembered as the greatest voice for centuries to come.”

“This dedication has been in the works for a very long time and is long overdue,” said Newark Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, who attends New Hope Baptist Church. “Whitney Houston is an icon to the world and especially to us here in Newark. This honor is so well deserved.”

 

Whitney Houston performed at the State Fair in September, 1987

The Guinness World Records honored her in 2009 as the most awarded female act of all time. She earned 6 Grammy Awards and 25 nominations during her lifetime. Houston is also the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 songs, including “Saving All My Love For You” and “How Will I Know?”

Houston is a 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and a ceremony inducting her will broadcast on Nov. 7 on HBO. A biopic movie is currently being planned for 2022 too.

The City of Newark, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Prudential Financial, Newark Arts and Baldwin Equities – which owns William House – collaborated to bring the latest mural to the Brick City.

This isn’t the first time the GRAMMY Museum Experience has honored Houston. In 2018, the museum showcased her awards, clothing and other memorabilia in an exhibit.

 

The display for the 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will open on Friday, August 14, 2020. The class includes Nine Inch Nails, T. Rex, The Notorious B.I.G., Depeche Mode, The Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston, Irving Azoff and Jon Landau. The Whitney Houston display includes some of her more famous outfits. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

“Whitney Houston’s dynamic career remains one of the most decorated in music history and her connection to and impact on the city of Newark will forever be celebrated,” said Prudential Center Senior Vice President of Business Operations Natasha Moody.

The mural began to be installed this month and will be officially unveiled in late November.
“Her voice may have come only once in a lifetime, but her songs and her sound will move and inspire generations for years to come,” said Mayor Ras Baraka. “Creating a mural in her honor in her native city not only recognizes her great talent but enables today’s talent to shine, adding new pages to our artistic history.”

The GRAMMY Museum Experience unveiled a mural of three-time Grammy award-winning rapper Wyclef Jean in the Fairmount section of Newark about 2 years ago.

 

A mural of Wyclef Jean was unveiled in 2018 in Newark’s West Ward.GRAMMY Museum Experience
CategoriesWilliam House

Huge Mural Of Whitney Houston Is Underway In Newark

By Avimoo,

Article Source: https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/huge-mural-whitney-houston-underway-newark

By Eric Kiefer

A mural of Whitney Houston made of more than 1,000 pounds of hand-cut glass will stand as a tribute to the Newark native.

 

NEWARK, NJ — Newark is a place where art holds power. Last month, a 30-foot mural of Sojourner Truth went up on Edison Place. In June, hundreds of people came together to paint a massive tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement on two of the city’s busiest streets. And earlier this year, a wave of public murals in downtown Newark demonstrated the thought-provoking power of art.

Now, Newark is preparing to welcome its latest addition to the vast, visual landscape that is the Brick City: a huge mural of Whitney Houston.

On Monday, sponsors announced plans to create a mosaic tribute to the beloved music icon, who was born in Newark, attended Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell and was also a resident of East Orange and Mendham Township.

The homage to Houston will be located at 45 Williams Street and placed on the façade of William House, a new mixed-use project.

Installment of the 19 by 28-foot mural began in mid-October, with a virtual unveiling event set for late November. When complete, the massive artwork will include more than 1,000 pounds of hand-cut glass.

The artist, Maude Lemaire, may be a familiar name to some art lovers in North Jersey. She’s previously been commissioned by Newark and Jersey City to create and install mosaic works in several locations in both cities.

“Having a presence in Newark is certainly an honor for Whitney’s Legacy,” said Pat Houston, executor of the estate of Whitney E. Houston.

“This mural represents a continuation of an iconic legend who undoubtedly will be remembered as the greatest voice for centuries to come,” Houston said.

The Prudential Center offered the following biography of the singer, who died in 2012:

“Houston has sold over 200 million combined albums, singles and videos internationally throughout her career with Arista Records and is the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 songs including “Saving All My Love For You”, “How Will I Know”, “Greatest Love Of All”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”, “So Emotional” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”. Houston was also the first woman to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at #1 with her second album, Whitney. In 2009, Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time releasing seven studio albums and two soundtrack albums all that have been certified diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Whitney is a 2020 inductee into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which will broadcast on November 7 on HBO and an estate-sanctioned biopic is currently being planned for a 2022 release.”

Natasha Moody, a senior vice president at the Prudential Center, said it was an honor to bring the mural to life in Newark’s Central Ward alongside Prudential Financial Inc., the City of Newark, the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Baldwin Equities and Newark Arts.

“Whitney Houston’s dynamic career remains one of the most decorated in music history and her connection to and impact on the city of Newark will forever be celebrated,” Moody said.

Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, who represents the Central Ward of the city, said that as a member of the New Hope Baptist Church – where Houston sang in the choir – she was thrilled and honored to learn about plans for the mural.

“This dedication has been in the works for a very long time and is long overdue,” McIver said. “Whitney Houston is an icon to the world and especially to us here in Newark. This honor is so well-deserved.”

Mayor Ras Baraka called Houston one of the “most legendary figures” in a city with a long history of distinct voices.

“Her voice may have come only once in a lifetime, but her songs and her sound will move and inspire generations for years to come,” Baraka said. “Creating a mural in her honor in her native city not only recognizes her great talent but enables today’s talent to shine, adding new pages to our artistic history.”

CategoriesWilliam House

Whitney Houston Mural Coming To Newark

By Avimoo,

Article Source: https://www.newjerseystage.com/asburymusic.com/getarticle.php?titlelink=whitney-houston-mural-coming-to-newark

(NEWARK, NJ) — GRAMMY Museum Experience (TM) Prudential Center along with founding partner, Prudential Financial, Inc., the City of Newark, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Baldwin Equities and Newark Arts have announced plans regarding a Whitney Houston mosaic mural, which will be located in Newark’s Central Ward. The newest mural installation is the second of five murals planned for the city. Newark-based Artist Maude Lemaire who specializes in beautiful hand-cut glass mosaic murals was selected to create the second installation.

Installment of the mural began in mid-October, with an official virtual unveiling event set for late-November. The virtual event will feature one-on-one interviews with Artist Maude Lemaire, as well as key stakeholders from Prudential Financial, Prudential Center, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District and others. There will be a live look at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the conclusion of the event.

The economic and intangible benefits of public art are well known, including the power of murals to celebrate the unique and rich cultural history of a place, while transforming spaces that increase foot traffic and tourism, and contributing to the growing vibrancy of a neighborhood. This collaboration adds another colorful thread to the exciting revitalization happening in Newark and honors the city’s rich musical roots. The 19’x28’ mural will be comprised of over 1,000 lbs of hand-cut glass mosaic and will be located at 45 Williams Street, Newark, NJ 07102 in Newark’s Central Ward. Prudential Center and Prudential Financial Inc. worked in partnership with Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District and Baldwin Equities to make the determination to install the mural on the façade of William House, a new community-focused mixed-use project featuring apartments and a variety of amenities.  It will be placed directly next to Teachers Village and sit just three blocks from Prudential Center.

“Whitney Houston’s dynamic career remains one of the most decorated in music history and her connection to and impact on the city of Newark will forever be celebrated,” said Natasha Moody, Senior Vice President, Business Operations, Prudential Center. “We are honored to bring this extraordinary mural to life in Newark’s Central Ward alongside Prudential Financial, Inc., the City of Newark, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Baldwin Equities and Newark Arts. The mural serves as another powerful reminder of the Whitney Houston’s legacy, as well as the rich music history of the city and the state of New Jersey.

“We are excited to collaborate with the City of Newark, Newark Arts, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, the Estate of Whitney Houston and the Prudential Center for the Whitney Houston mosaic mural project,” said Shané Harris, vice president, head of Social Responsibility & Partnerships, Prudential Financial, Inc. “This second mural continues Prudential’s commitment to creating new cultural spaces which celebrate Newark’s vibrant arts community with residents in the Central Ward.”  

“Whitney Houston is one of Newark’s most legendary figures in our long history of being a city of great diversity and distinct voices,” Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. “Her voice may have come only once in a lifetime, but her songs and her sound will move and inspire generations for years to come. Creating a mural in her honor in her native city not only recognizes her great talent but enables today’s talent to shine, adding new pages to our artistic history.”

“As a Central Ward native and member of the New Hope Baptist Church, I am so thrilled and honored to witness a mural dedicated to Whitney Houston, be installed here in the Central Ward,” said LaMonica R. McIver, Council Member, Central Ward, City of Newark. “This dedication has been in the works for a very long time and is long overdue. Whitney Houston is an icon to the world and especially to us here in Newark. This honor is so well deserved. Thank you to all the partners who made this possible.”

“Having a presence in Newark is certainly an honor for Whitney’s Legacy,” said Pat Houston, Executor, The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “This Mural represents a continuation of an Iconic Legend who undoubtedly will be remembered as the greatest voice for centuries to come.  Thank you Prudential Center, Prudential Financial Inc. and the City of Newark for this recognition.”

Maude Lemaire is a self- taught artist with glass medium and her objective is to bring more vibrant colors and shapes with an avant-garde touch into the world. Her works consists of modern, timeless, and unique mosaic concepts and have depicted famous portraits created in a variety of colored tiles and sizes. Lemaire has been commissioned by the cities of Newark and Jersey City to create and install personal conceptual mosaic works in several locations.

Houston has sold over 200 million combined albums, singles and videos internationally throughout her career with Arista Records and is the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 songs including “Saving All My Love For You”, “How Will I Know”, “Greatest Love Of All”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”, “So Emotional” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”. Houston was also the first woman to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at #1 with her second album, Whitney. In 2009, Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time releasing seven studio albums and two soundtrack albums all that have been certified diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.  Whitney is a 2020 inductee into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which will broadcast on November 7 on HBO and an estate-sanctioned biopic is currently being planned for a 2022 release.

About the GRAMMY Museum Experience™ Prudential Center – Built and operated by Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, the 8,000-square-foot GRAMMY Museum Experience (TM) is housed within Prudential Center. The Experience marks the first GRAMMY Museum outpost to be built on the East Coast and, similar to the original GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, the Experience is dedicated to exploring the past, present and future of music, and the cultural context from which it emerges, while casting a focused spotlight on the deep musical roots of New Jersey. The Experience features a dynamic combination of educational programming including Summer Session, “Spotlight Series” and “An Evening With Series” and interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, including a spotlight on legendary GRAMMY winners from New Jersey. 

About Prudential Financial Inc. – Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial wellness leader and premier active global investment manager with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2020, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help to make lives better by creating financial opportunity for more people. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century.