Newark’s ‘Neglected’ Brick Towers To Be Reborn With Affordable Housing

NEWARK, NJ — Construction has begun on a $45.8 million apartment complex in Newark’s Central Ward that will include 154 units of affordable housing and nearly 7,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor.

The former Brick Towers, two 16-story high-rises built in 1969, will now be known as “Montgomery Heights II,” according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

When complete, the renovated “family rental development” will contain 59 one-bedroom, 70 two-bedroom, and 25 three-bedroom affordable units, as well as 7,000-square feet of retail space. The units will feature modern kitchens with dishwasher, laundry hookups, resident controlled heating and air-conditioning, and tile bathrooms.

The privately-owned twin buildings were “originally an appealing place to live,” but over time “fell into disarray and disrepair due to neglect by ownership,” according to the HUD.

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According to the HUD:

“The HUD and Federal Housing Administration foreclosed on the buildings in 2000 and transferred ownership to the Newark Housing Authority for $1 in 2002. The buildings were in condition too poor to save at that point and attention turned to redevelopment plans for the site. NHA made plans for redevelopment in conjunction with a group of former residents and affordable housing advocates. Demolition of the buildings was completed in 2007.”

The HUD stated:

“HUD will provide Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher rental subsidies. The HUD Capital Fund Financing Program was also used, allowing a portion of the development’s future year annual capital funds to be paid towards financing. Up Front Grant Funds, that provide additional moneys for rebuilding multi-family projects are also being used in this development.”

The project's developers are the Newark Housing Authority and Pennrose-One, a partnership between Pennrose Properties LLC and One Real Estate Development.

“Montgomery Heights II is another success for the City of Newark and the Newark Housing Authority to invest in our families and improve the level of affordable housing available,” said Morris Warner, chief development officer, Newark Housing Authority. “These new apartments will raise the housing at this location to a new standard and enhance the surrounding neighborhood.”

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Photo: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development