Historic Newark Building Escapes Demolition: Here Are The Plans To Transform It

NEWARK, NJ — One of the nation’s oldest surviving synagogue structures is being transformed into a space for public education and community events in Newark.

The Greater Newark Conservancy recently announced that Phase 2 of its Education Building will be completed this spring – a major milestone for the former house of worship at 32 Prince Street.

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Originally acquired by Greater Newark Conservancy in 1995 following a hard-fought preservation effort, the building – constructed in 1884 by Oheb Shalom Congregation and later occupied for more than 50 years by Metropolitan Baptist Church – had been slated for demolition in the early 1990s.

There is some serious history behind the building, spokespeople said:

“The Conservancy’s Education Building is the oldest surviving structure built as a synagogue in Essex County and one of the 35 oldest in the USA. Its façade features a rare example of Moorish Revival architecture also utilized in 19th century synagogues constructed in New York City, Cincinnati, Budapest, Florence, Prague and other cities.The Conservancy building is also the only surviving 19th century Moorish revival synagogue in New Jersey.”

Since taking ownership, the Greater Newark Conservancy – which has helped to transform other local properties into refurbished “community assets” – has pursed a new vision for the property: to turn it into an educational and community space for the public.

When complete, the re-activated space will host educational programming, including teacher training and student workshops in environmental science and nutrition. Other plans include community events such as job fairs, cultural exhibitions and public meetings. The space will also feature performances – including concerts, theater, and dance – as well as private events like weddings and family gatherings.

“It has been a dream of Conservancy board members for many decades to completely reopen our historic house of worship,” said vice chair Mark Gordon, who helped to save the building from demolition in the early 1990s.

There are three phases to the ongoing project, spokespeople said:

PHASE ONE – “By 2016, Phase 1 construction transformed the building’s lower level into functional program space including classrooms, a professional kitchen, and restrooms, alongside construction of a three-story Addition to support utilities, accessibility, and expanded programming.”

PHASE TWO – “Phase 2 construction, launched in November 2025 and set for completion this Spring, completes fit out of the Addition’s upper floors and includes installation of an electric traction elevator serving all levels, four new bathrooms, and a new exterior stairwell to meet modern safety standards.”

PHASE THREE – “At the same time, the Conservancy’s architects, Sage and Coombe, are completing plans this spring for Phase 3 – rehabilitation of the historic former sanctuary to reopen as a major educational and community resource. Construction of this final phase is scheduled to start in 2027.”

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