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Changes are underway at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, as construction starts on the outdoor space in front of the Newark theater complex.

On Monday, NJPAC announced work began April 17 to redesign Chambers Plaza. The milestone marks the first efforts toward the venue’s $336 million redevelopment to overhaul the 12-acre campus.

The 580,000-square-foot project aims to connect NJPAC with the larger Newark community as well as provide access to a new riverfront park. In February, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved $200 million in Aspire tax credits for the work. The award represents 60% of costs.

While portions of the campus are blocked for work, the venue said NJPAC will remain open and accessible throughout construction. So too will the box office, Parking Lot A and Nico Kitchen + Bar.

The Chambers Plaza project is likely to run through the end of 2024. Beyond the revamp, the work includes the introduction of the Essex County Green. The four-season urban park will include features ranging from a rain garden to new lighting and seating. When completed, NJPAC says the downtown space will host year-round programming, such as performances, markets and classes.

The space is named in recognition of a $5 million grant from Essex County. Landscape architecture studio Future Green of Brooklyn designed the updated Chambers Plaza project, NJPAC said.

“This reimagining of our ‘front yard’ will make it possible for NJPAC to host even more community events and outdoor gatherings,” said NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber. “We’re endlessly grateful to Ray Chambers and the Chambers family, and to Essex County, especially County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, for their support of this project.”

Big picture

The larger project to reinvent the area expects to wrap up by 2027, according to NJPAC.

Other facets of the work include The Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center. Designed by architectural firm Weiss/Manfredi, the building will rise on what is currently Parking Lot C. Mulberry Street will also extend – with added pedestrian-friendly access – across the Art Center’s campus to Rector Street.

Meanwhile, mixed-use component ArtSide will add 350 residential units as well as retail space along Mulberry. The residential mix includes 20% of apartments for affordable housing, NJPAC said. Both high- and low-rise buildings will make up ArtSide’s structure. National Public Radio station WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM will call some of this space home.

The mixed-use component is a joint effort between NJPAC, LMXD (an L+M Development Partners LLC affiliate) and Prudential Impact & Responsible Investments.

Architecture firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill is designing the neighborhood. It will rise on what is currently NJPAC’s Parking Lot A.

Show must go on

Construction will not disrupt the free Horizon Sounds of the City summer concert series. NJPAC said a phased work schedule will allow the programming to persist, with some adjustments. The series will kick off June 27 with a performance from WBGO on-air personality Felix Hernandez and his Rhythm Revue Dance Party as part of the 2024 North to Shore Festival.

“When Gov. Tom Kean and Ray Chambers first imagined NJPAC in the late 1980s, they hoped the Arts Center would be the center of a beautiful new Newark neighborhood. We are delighted to be making their expansive vision a reality,” Schreiber commented. “When the work is completed in 2027, all the new amenities on our campus will contribute enormously to the ongoing revitalization of Newark’s downtown.”