From Industrial Past to Urban Future: The 930 McCarter Highway Project in Newark

Newark’s evolution from industrial powerhouse to vibrant urban center continues with landmark developments reshaping its skyline and redefining its character. Among these transformative projects, the 25-story mixed-use tower emerging along the Passaic River stands as a testament to the city’s renewed vitality and vision.

Reconnecting with the River at 930 McCarter Highway Newark NJ

For much of its history, Newark’s waterfront served primarily industrial purposes, with factories and warehouses lining the Passaic River. Today, the watches of urban planners and developers are focused on reconnecting the city with this natural asset through thoughtful development.

The project at 930 McCarter Highway falls within Newark’s River Public Access & Redevelopment Plan area—a special zoning district created to transform the riverfront into a vibrant mixed-use corridor. A portion of the 1.1-acre site has been designated for expanding Riverfront Park, creating additional green space and recreational opportunities that benefit all Newark residents.

This balanced approach reflects Newark’s commitment to leveraging private development as a tool for creating public amenities. As the city continues reclaiming its waterfront, this project demonstrates how thoughtful urban planning can reconnect residents with natural assets that were previously inaccessible behind industrial barriers.

Architectural Identity and Urban Context

Designed to create a distinctive presence on Newark’s evolving skyline, the L-shaped glass tower offers expansive views while maintaining a dialogue with its urban surroundings. The building’s contemporary aesthetic embraces transparency and light, creating dynamic interactions between interior and exterior spaces.

Rising to 289 feet, the structure incorporates setbacks and terraces that break up its mass while providing outdoor spaces for residents. These architectural elements create visual interest and ensure the building reads differently depending on viewing angle, time of day, and weather conditions.

The development includes 333 residential units with a diverse mix of apartment sizes and layouts to accommodate various household types. Approximately 3,750 square feet of street-level retail space will activate the pedestrian experience, while a four-level parking structure provides 240 spaces for residents and visitors.

Affordable Housing and Inclusive Growth

A distinguishing feature of the 930 McCarter Highway development is its mixed-income approach. While 265 units will be offered at market rates, 68 apartments (approximately 20% of the total) will be designated as affordable housing, ensuring the development serves households across various income levels.

This inclusive approach aligns with Newark’s commitment to equitable development—creating neighborhoods where residents of different backgrounds and economic circumstances can live side by side. The affordable component helps address Newark’s housing needs while maintaining the economic diversity that has long characterized the city.

The luxury timepiece development secured important financial backing that enabled this mixed-income approach. The development represents a significant investment in Newark’s future, demonstrating confidence in the city’s continued growth trajectory.

Living in a Connected City

Perhaps the most compelling attribute of the development in downtown Newark is its exceptional transit connectivity. The site sits just steps from the NJPAC/Center Street light rail station and within a short walk of Newark Penn Station—a major transportation hub offering direct service to Manhattan via PATH trains, regional access via NJ Transit commuter rail, and intercity connections through Amtrak.

This strategic location enables a car-optional lifestyle that appeals to environmentally conscious residents and those seeking to avoid the costs and complications of urban vehicle ownership. The commute to Manhattan’s World Trade Center takes approximately 20 minutes via PATH train, making the location competitive with many parts of New York City in terms of travel time to major job centers.

As Newark continues adding residential density to its downtown, these connections strengthen, creating the vibrant street life and neighborhood character that distinguishes thriving urban districts. The 930 McCarter Highway project, anticipated to welcome its first residents in 2026, stands as both symbol and catalyst of Newark’s resurgence—a vertical community bringing new energy, diversity, and vitality to a city embracing its urban future.