650 Springfield Avenue

MIXED USE AND NO MIXED FEELINGS

Dresdner Robin worked with a multi-discipline design team and the City of Newark to plan and design one of the latest inclusionary affordable housing redevelopment projects near the downtown area as part of the Kent/Brenner/Springfield Redevelopment Plan.

Although the property at 650 Springfield Avenue had languished for years, its potential for redevelopment is finally being fulfilled. The project team was able to harness the prime location of the site, which is on a main arterial corridor and a short bus ride to busy downtown Newark. It was also a short 15-minute trip to Newark Liberty International Airport via public transportation.

Two multi-family residential buildings were proposed. One would be a 4-story, 59-unit building, and the other a 5-story, 56-unit residential with commercial space along Springfield Avenue. Our role was to incorporate the goals and objectives of the Redevelopment Plan into a site plan design and seek appropriate approvals from Newark’s Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Ultimately, the new mixed-use, multi-family project will remain true to the original redevelopment plan for a safe, walkable neighborhood with affordable housing choices for all, plus employment opportunities and a sense of community.