Politicians and real estate executives gathered at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson to mark the beginning of the restoration of the ballpark on April 14, just one day before the 74th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh; state Sen. Nellie Pou, D-35th District; and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, D-35th District; as well as retired baseball stars CC Sabathia and Harold Reynolds, were in attendance. Also present were BAW Development Founder Baye Adofo-Wilson, who serves as majority owner and lead developer of the stadium project, and Joe Portelli, vice president of development at partner RPM Development Group.
The groundbreaking marks the next chapter in the life of the local landmark, which is one of just two remaining stadium structures that hosted Negro League baseball games. Construction is slated for completion in the fall of 2022.
After decades of use, the ballpark fell into disrepair in the late 1990s, and has been largely neglected for the last two decades, opening the door for the redevelopment initiative being led by BAW Development and RPM Development Group.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh with retired baseball star CC Sabathia in attendance for the groundbreaking of Hinchliffe Stadium on April 14, 2021. – BAW DEVELOPMENT
The $94 million mixed-use project is Paterson’s most ambitious large-scale development in many years. The initiative is highlighted by the complete redevelopment and modernization of the historic stadium, which will make the facility ADA compliant and improve the field, restrooms, lighting, scoreboard and seating areas. In addition to the 7,800-seat athletic facility, the project also includes ground-up development of a 12,000-square-foot restaurant and event space that will pay homage to the professional and high school athletic exploits at Hinchliffe Stadium, as well as related racial issues; a six-story, USGBC LEED Platinum-certified affordable senior housing building featuring 75 studio, one- and two-bedroom units; a 5,200-square foot preschool; and a 314-space structured parking garage.
“Hinchliffe Stadium is the largest catalytic investment in a generation,” said Sayegh. “By taking one of our most dormant and underutilized sites with deep historic significance, we are laying the foundation for city-wide reinvestment and opportunity. We are witnessing a one-in-a-lifetime transformation and I’m proud of our public-private partners who have helped usher in this complex project.”
Constructed in 1932, Hinchliffe Stadium was once home to the New York Black Yankees and New York Cubans in an era when many of baseball’s most talented players were barred from the sport’s biggest stage. The ballpark is most often associated with Paterson native Larry Doby, who played high school sports at Hinchliffe in the 1930s, and subsequently played in the park while in the Negro Leagues. Doby broke the American League’s color barrier in 1947, and starred in the league for more than a decade, ultimately gaining enshrinement to baseball’s Hall of Fame.
“The Hinchliffe Stadium redevelopment will have a significant impact in Paterson and provide an economic boost for New Jersey as we begin our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to paying homage to the achievements of Black baseball legends, this project will create jobs, provide much-needed affordable housing for seniors, and bring valuable community assets to Paterson,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Today’s groundbreaking honors this historic landmark and reminds us all that New Jersey values diversity and is committed to supporting and celebrating the greatness of people from all backgrounds. The NJEDA team and I look forward to working with Mayor Sayegh to see this through to completion.”
