Architects Leading the Redevelopment of Newark’s Bears Stadium Site Announced

On Aug 1, 2017

Lotus Equity Group announced the four world-class architecture firms that will lead the redevelopment of Newark’s Bears Stadium, transforming one of the downtown area’s most important sites into a thriving 24/7 community. The 8-acre site sits adjacent to the waterfront, steps from NJ Transit’s Broad Street station – accessible to Midtown Manhattan in 18 minutes. The redevelopment is Newark’s most ambitious project and is expected to provide up to 2,000 residential units, 400,000 square feet of office space, large and small-scale retail, cultural and public open space in the emerging Broad Street Station section of downtown.

Lotus Equity Group is a socially conscious developer and owner deeply committed to revitalizing downtown Newark and creating a 24/7 live-work-play community. Lotus has been an integral force in Newark’s recent business development; Ben Korman, Lotus Equity Group’s founder, is also the operating partner of C&K Properties, the longstanding owner of 2 Gateway Center, Newark’s largest office building. Each of the selected architects have been chosen for their own commitment to responsible community development, acting as visionary leaders who seamlessly combine architecture and design with urban sensibility. With its deep experience in Newark and in delivering complex projects around the world, Lotus is uniquely positioned to do its part in advancing a shared vision for Newark.

“When designing this site, it was important to us that our approach be focused on community engagement, inclusion and transparency. We chose a team of architects that will not only create beautiful buildings, but also shares our commitment to urban planning and design that will thoughtfully support the urban renewal of Newark’s Central Ward,” said Ben Korman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Lotus Equity Group. “We hope that this project will serve as a model for socially sustainable developments in Newark and across the nation.”

In 2016 Lotus engaged Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) to both plan the site and be one of the three design architects for the first phase of the development now underway.

PAU is led by the globally-renowned architect and urban thought leader Vishaan Chakrabarti, AIA, whose work includes collaborating on transformative projects such as saving the High Line, re-imagining Lower Manhattan after 9/11, advancing a new vision for New York’s Pennsylvania Station, and his ongoing design work for the Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn. PAU advances architecture and urbanism projects focused on social impact through the tangible advancement of cities, projects that tackle society’s challenges and reimagine urban life in their wake.

“We feel deeply privileged to be part of Newark’s renaissance under the leadership of the Lotus Equity Group and the City of Newark. The entire project will set a global benchmark in groundbreaking design that builds upon the vibrant communities that already define one of the most culturally and historically significant cities on the Eastern seaboard.”  Vishaan Chakrabarti, AIA, Practice for Architecture and Urbanism.

In addition to PAU, three additional world-class architecture firms have been selected by Lotus:

Michael Green Architecture (MGA) is an award-winning architecture firm at the forefront of sustainable design through their innovative use of “mass timber” construction. Michael Green is a pioneer in the design and delivery of buildings that reduce carbon and create better, healthier work spaces. MGA is globally recognized for their advocacy and support for the Tall Wood Movement. They recently completed the largest mass timber building in the US, the innovative T3 building located in Minneapolis.

“Our team is honored to be part of such a talented group of innovative, forward thinking design leaders. We are inspired by projects that contribute to the growth, health, and development of their communities. This redevelopment plan aspires to infuse Newark with a lively, active, and vibrant heart. MGA is committed to the vision Lotus Equity Group has for this ambitious development and look forward to seeing it come to life.” Michael Green, Founder and Principal of Michael Green Architecture.

TEN Arquitectos is a New York City and Mexico City-based firm guided by famed architect Enrique Norten. The firm has designed award-winning projects around the world, including the celebrated One York building in Manhattan, where TEN revived a nineteenth-century brick building into residential, commercial and retail space.

“I am interested in this project for many reasons, but very specially for the opportunities that it gives us to explore new models of urban living in conditions of density, and public space as an extension and a complement of the residential environment, blurring interior and exterior and private and public. It is also a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with a very interesting and unique client, and a wonderful group of colleagues who I enjoy and respect.” Enrique Norten, Director and Founder of TEN Arquitectos.

Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners is the architect of record for the redevelopment project. With offices located in Newark, Minno & Wasko brings significant knowledge and commitment to building in revitalizing urban areas. The firm specializes in mixed-use space that leverages design, planning and structural engineering to support its community-based master plans.

“As a firm, Minno & Wasko is proud to be part of the redevelopment of the Newark Bears Stadium site, contributing to the vibrant urban experience of downtown Newark. Through collaboration with the outstanding team of Lotus Equity, the design team and other professionals, we aspire to further our commitment to create quality civic space and buildings that foster a new sense of place.” Leonard Infranca. AIA, NCARB, Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners.

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