Audible Innovation Cathedral – Audible: We Hear You! 

On Jul 2, 2020

Audible opened the Innovation Cathedral, a state-of-the-art technology center and the newest facility on its growing Newark campus, in May 2019. With 400 tech employees working in the space, the Innovation Cathedral is helping Audible realize its vision of supporting students, interns and entrepreneurs, and bolstering Newark’s image as a nationally renowned technology hub. 

Historically, the cathedral was home to the Second Presbyterian Church, founded in 1811. After the church closed in 1996, its buildings housed a school, daycare and other community services. In 2014, Audible and 120 construction workers began the $62.2-million rehabilitation of the 80,000-square-foot church and adjoining buildings, thoughtfully and meticulously preserving many of the historic elements and providing a complementary environment for technological creativity. The site’s new name honors the buildings’ past and underscores Audible’s commitment to the city’s history of innovation. Audible’s Newark presence has increased from 125 employees when it moved to the city in 2007 to more than 1,600 employees today, making it the fastest growing private employer in Newark. 

The reimagined workspace includes offices, conference rooms named after noteworthy Newarkers or landmarks, a choir loft with original pews that has been repurposed as a casual work or connection space, an auditorium, an exhibit space, work cafes, and lounges. The painstakingly restored 640-square-foot main stained-glass window, with its 26 stained glass panels, creates an inspiring space along a viewing bridge. The former sanctuary’s top floor is now the library. The Servery, a full kitchen, provides more than 200 seats for dining and collaboration. The Audiobowl is a functioning bowling alley from the 1930s, when the church ran youth programming. It was restored in a 1950s Art Deco style with a retro-style bar and banquettes for relaxed brainstorming.  

To keep the cathedral’s community spirit alive, Audible offers monthly tours and hosts event programming in the Auditory.  

ARCHITECT 

Spectorgroup
New York 

BUILDER/DEVELOPER 

Fidelco Group
Millburn 

FINANCE ENTITY 

Chase Bank 

NOMINATOR 

Katherine Wright, Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications,  Audible

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