On June 21st, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place for Newark’s newest in residential living property, known as the Richardson Lofts. Approximately three blocks away from Newark Penn Station, two blocks away from the Prudential Center and tucked away on a residential block, located on 50-60 Columbia Street. The Richardson building, originally built in 1904 as jewelry factory, has preserved the historical exterior elements while balancing the interior designs with modern state of arts amenities.
The Richardson Lofts is known for one of it’s original features; the phenomenal spiral staircase that sits in the middle of the space.
The housing project was completed by RPM, a development firm specializing in affordable housing projects. Equally important to note is the project has received LEED platinum certification, as noted by its CEO, Edward Matoglio. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program administered by the U.S. Green Building Council is a widely adopted standard for green building. Platinum is the highest achievable level. The rating system takes into account building performance in five areas: Energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, sustainable site development and water savings.
The event started with music performances by Newark’s talented music student from Arts High students, lead by instructor Christine Sweet. They performed a series of classical selection, and set the stage for the speakers to follow. This project is a private/public partnership where housing subsidies were provided by the public sector, for the purpose of providing affordable housing units. Michael Meyer, director of housing introduced the participants in the development project. The deputy Mayor, Adam Zipkin, shared several measurements worth mentioning, 49% of the work on the rehab project was award to Newark base subcontractors, and 60% of the workers on the project were Newark residents. The mayor was the final speaker, he highlighted the changes in the quality of market rate and affordable housing now being developed in Newark today, he concluded by stating in his view of the developers RPM, that their name should stand for “Right Progress for Many”.
Richardson Loft combines both market rate and affordable unit housing. There are a total of 67 units, two bedroom apartments ranging $800 (affordable unit) – $2,500 (Penthouse duplex units). For more information go to www.richardsonlofts.com.
June 22nd, 2012 at 4:36 pm
I think this is great for Newark, another step in the right direction. I’m curious to know how many of the units have been sold, or will be sold in near future.
June 25th, 2012 at 10:49 pm
Are the affordable two bedroom units definitely around $800.00?
August 22nd, 2012 at 4:38 pm
I was there today 8/12, and the girls in the office told me affordable 2 bedroom is $1600. There must be some rackett going on there!!
June 28th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
They are all rental units. Not for sale.