What Will Happen To These 12 Former Newark School Buildings?

NEWARK, NJ — A dozen former Newark Public School buildings are now under Newark Housing Authority (NHA) auspices, but what will the future hold in store for them?

The redevelopment of the 12 former Newark Public School (NPS) buildings took another step last week when the NHA issued a request for qualifications and proposals for the properties on Nov. 7.

• See related article: 12 Newark School Buildings To Be Transferred, Possibly Sold

“The NHA intends to enter into agreements with the most qualified respondents that demonstrate financial capability, vision, and creativity in adaptive reuse consistent with the city’s master plan,” the agency announced.

Respondents must also demonstrate the ability to implement proposed projects in a timely manner and in a way that “serves the best interests of the NHA, Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark,” the NHA stated.

The 12 properties as reported were:

• Maple Avenue School
• Maple Avenue School Annex
• State Street building (office)
• Dayton Street School
• William Brown Academy
• Benjamin Banneker School
• Clinton Avenue School
• Mary Wheeler Willis Day Care Center
• Morton Street School
• Roseville Avenue School
• Warren Street School

“While economizing on operating costs and maximizing proceeds from the sales are of utmost importance to NPS, the assessment process will also place heavy emphasis on those proposals which will serve the needs of the surrounding communities, respect the history of the buildings and expand access to housing and commercial space in order to enrich the neighborhoods for years to come,” said Morris Warner, Chief Development Officer of the NHA. “We are seeking a true triple bottom line solution for residents of the city, NPS and developers who are skilled at executing innovative projects.”

The process is governed by a detailed RFQP document which can be accessed online at www.npsportfolio.com.

NHA seeks to complete the qualifications and proposal processes by year-end with closings to occur during the first and second quarters of 2017, the agency stated.

Photo: Google Earth

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