Newark’s historic Krueger-Scott Mansion is getting a new life.

On Thursday, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Makerhoods broke ground for a project slated to open in December 2021 that will both restore and reinvent the Victorian-era historic mansion.

Located at 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Newark’s Central Ward, the vision is to have coworking, private offices and community convening spaces that will be central to sharing the mansion’s history and highlighting local artists. Adjacent to the mansion, new construction will include 66 mixed-income one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments (35 percent affordable); 10 commercial shops; a shared commercial and demonstration kitchen; a greenhouse; and a courtyard event space.

A powerful catalyst for microentrepreneurs with limited resources, access to capital and networks, Makerhoods combines affordable living, shared spaces for light manufacturing, and business support to help people start and grow profitable businesses that create prosperity, secure their futures and create inter-generational wealth.

By bringing into the connected age the beloved, traditional “living above the store” model that supported families, inspired entrepreneurship, and created sustainable communities for decades, Makerhoods integrates affordable living, the creative explosion of the “maker movement,” business support, and a shared digital platform to catalyze a new paradigm in economic development.

“It is fitting that this next chapter in the adaptive reuse of historic Newark landmarks is the childhood home of Rev. Louise-Scott Rountree, whose family is an important part of Newark’s history and who, herself, is a respected religious, community and civic leader,” said Baraka. “Makerhoods is an exciting innovation in urban redevelopment that I expect will be widely replicated in Newark and other cities across America.”

The 40-room mansion was built in 1888 at a cost of $250,000 by Gottfried Krueger (1837-1926), founder of Newark’s Gottfried Krueger Brewing Co. and owner of several other breweries. Following his death, the mansion was sold to the Valley of Newark Scottish Rite Freemasons and a 700-seat auditorium was added to accommodate meetings. In 1958, it was purchased by Louise Scott who operated the Scott College of Beauty Culture out of the first floor, while keeping the upper levels as her private residence. Upon Scott’s death, ownership passed to the City of Newark.

It took more than five years working closely with the City of Newark, potential funders, and local groups to secure the resources to make the transformation of the Krueger-Scott Mansion and Makerhoods possible.

Local Initiatives Support Corp., New Jersey Community Capital, Prudential Financial, Wells Fargo, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and the City of Newark all contributed to advance this milestone in Newark’s entrepreneurial legacy.

Makerhoods was conceived by business and social entrepreneur Avi Telyas who, after selling multiple businesses, took time off to study the economics and sociology of urban development, economic advancement, and community cohesion.

“There is no doubt that we can lift up the lives of individuals, their families, and their communities with the ecosystem that ignites the Makerhoods model,” said Telyas, founder and chief executive officer of Makerhoods. “We are bringing together the role that neglected, historical buildings can play in urban environments with a new model of affordable housing, entrepreneurial support networks, accessible manufacturing, and e-commerce distribution. It seems complicated at first, but it is an intuitive model that has resonated with the City of Newark and the visionary partners who are helping make this a reality.”

Makerhoods will accept applications for 16 “makers” to receive an apartment, commercial space and business support starting at $1,800/month, depending on income and apartment size. Applicant criteria and selection process details will be released in October 2020 with applications to be accepted in Spring 2021.