BOULEVARD WEST/NEW HORIZONS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Newark, New Jersey (May 11, 2017) – The Newark Housing Authority, The Michaels Organization along with Netta Architects have partnered to design and build a new mixed-use residential community. Originally known as New Horizons, the four-story Boulevard West will offer 89 affordable, residential rental units with an on-site leasing office and 5,000 square feet of retail/commercial space. All of the residential units are designed to Energy Star® criteria and each floor will feature 600 square feet of tenant amenities. Boulevard West will provide ample off-street parking and accessible entrances for residents and tenants. Currently under construction, the project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2018.
Located in the Belmont Neighborhood of Newark’s Central Ward, the new housing development will occupy a prominent site at the intersection of Muhammad Ali Avenue and one of Newark’s major arteries, Irvine Turner Boulevard. The site is accessible by NJ Transit bus routes along Irvine Turner Boulevard and is within walking distance to parks and shopping.
The Boulevard West development addresses a number of important goals outlined in Newark’s Master Plan for the Belmont Neighborhood: infill of vacant land parcels on Irvine Turner Boulevard, improved retail and commercial options for the neighborhood, and an enhanced and more attractive streetscape, all of which foster secure and vibrant urban environments.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with the City of Newark and The Michael’s Organization on this project,” stated Mark Bess, AIA, NCARB, Director of Netta Architects Multi-Family Housing Studio. “All stakeholders were completely aligned towards one goal _ improving the housing and community fabric within Newark.”
Boulevard West will set the stage for continued development of the Belmont neighborhood with a site design that enhances the pedestrian experience and focuses on the ground plane, the intersection of the two streets, and the pedestrian experience, introducing the building to the residents and users of the retail component along Irvine Turner Blvd. The new building is set back from the property line along both facades, creating an urban space and defining the City streetscape with decorative paving, planting, benches and site lighting.
On Twitter Mayor @rasjbaraka joined the Newark Housing Authority to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Boulevard West. #NewarkForward.
About Netta Architects
Netta Architects is an award winning architecture, interior design and planning firm that prides itself in being Different by Design. Our diverse staff embodies the Firm’s Mission and is passionate about creating enduring, sustainable architecture through design innovation and client service in our core markets. For more, visit www.nettaarchitects.com/staging.
