In a significant milestone for Newark's ongoing urban revival, the striking 25-story mixed-use tower at 930 McCarter Highway has reached its full structural height of 289 feet. The topping-out ceremony held in February 2025 marks a crucial phase in the development of this transformative project that promises to redefine Newark's relationship with its historic waterfront.

Located along the banks of the Passaic River in Newark's increasingly vibrant downtown district, the 930 McCarter Highway development represents the latest chapter in the city's remarkable renaissance. The project, developed by Boraie Development, has rapidly ascended since breaking ground in mid-2024, with completion slated for 2026.

A New Chapter for Newark's Waterfront

For decades, the site at 930 McCarter Highway remained underutilized—a remnant of Newark's industrial past when the Passaic River served primarily as a commercial transportation corridor rather than a scenic amenity. Today, this 1.1-acre parcel stands at the forefront of Newark's ambitious riverfront revitalization strategy.

The development falls within Newark's River Public Access & Redevelopment Plan area, a special zoning district created to transform the Passaic riverfront into a vibrant mixed-use corridor with enhanced public access to the water. This strategic planning framework has guided the project's design, ensuring that private development coexists harmoniously with public space improvements.

Notably, a portion of the site has been designated for the expansion of Riverfront Park, creating additional green space and public walkways along the Passaic. This park extension will connect to the existing riverfront recreation areas, furthering Newark's goal of creating a continuous waterfront promenade that serves residents and visitors alike.

Architectural Vision and Design Excellence

The tower's design by MHS Architects embraces contemporary urban aesthetics while respecting Newark's architectural heritage. The glass-clad structure features a distinctive L-shaped configuration that maximizes views of both the Passaic River and the Manhattan skyline visible across the bay.

Rising to 289 feet, the building creates a compelling vertical presence on Newark's skyline while incorporating setbacks and terraces that provide visual interest and outdoor spaces for residents. The façade treatment balances transparency and solidity, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that changes throughout the day.

The building's massing responds thoughtfully to its context, with careful consideration given to sight lines, sun angles, and wind patterns. This attention to environmental factors enhances both the resident experience and the building's energy performance.

Interior spaces have been designed to maximize natural light and flexibility, with open floor plans that can adapt to evolving resident needs. The common areas emphasize community connection, incorporating co-working spaces, social lounges, and wellness amenities that reflect contemporary urban lifestyle preferences.

Housing for a Diverse Community

At its core, 930 McCarter Highway represents an important addition to Newark's housing inventory, with 333 residential units ranging from efficient studios to spacious two-bedroom apartments. Significantly, 68 of these units (approximately 20%) will be designated as affordable housing, ensuring that the development serves households across various income levels.

This mixed-income approach aligns with Newark's commitment to inclusive growth—creating neighborhoods where residents of different backgrounds and economic circumstances can live side by side. The affordable component will help address Newark's housing needs while maintaining the economic diversity that has long characterized the city.

The market-rate units will target professionals drawn to Newark's unparalleled transit connectivity, cultural amenities, and relative affordability compared to neighboring cities. With average market-rate rents around $2,200 per month—substantially below comparable offerings in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or even Jersey City—930 McCarter represents an attractive value proposition for urban dwellers.

All residents will benefit from the building's comprehensive amenity package, including fitness facilities, co-working spaces, resident lounges, and outdoor terraces with panoramic views. These shared spaces foster community within the building while complementing the expanding neighborhood amenities beyond its walls.

Transit-Oriented Development at Its Best

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of 930 McCarter Highway is its exceptional transit connectivity. The site sits just steps from the NJPAC/Center Street light rail station and within a short walk of Newark Penn Station—a major transportation hub offering direct service to Manhattan via PATH trains (approximately 20 minutes to World Trade Center), regional access via NJ Transit commuter rail, and intercity connections through Amtrak.

This strategic location enables a car-optional lifestyle that appeals to environmentally conscious residents and those seeking to avoid the hassles and expenses of urban car ownership. The development does include a four-level parking structure with 240 spaces, accommodating those who require personal vehicles while maintaining a focus on transit accessibility.

The site's walkability further enhances its appeal, with numerous restaurants, cultural venues, and services within a comfortable pedestrian radius. As downtown Newark continues to add amenities and improve its streetscapes, the walkability quotient will only increase, strengthening the neighborhood's urban character.

A Catalyst for Economic Vitality

Beyond its physical form, 930 McCarter Highway serves as an economic catalyst for Newark's downtown. The construction phase alone represents a significant investment in the local economy, creating hundreds of construction jobs and generating demand for building materials and services.

Upon completion, the building will house approximately 600-700 residents who will patronize local businesses, from restaurants and cafes to personal services and retail establishments. The ground floor of the development includes approximately 3,750 square feet of commercial space, providing opportunities for new retail concepts that will serve both residents and the broader community.

The project's economic benefits extend beyond direct spending to include increased property tax revenue, utility payments, and other municipal income streams that support public services. Additionally, the enhanced public spaces created as part of the development will improve quality of life for all Newarkers, not just building residents.

Local business owners have expressed optimism about the impact of 930 McCarter and similar developments on foot traffic and consumer spending in downtown Newark. The growing residential density supports a more robust retail ecosystem, creating opportunities for specialty shops, dining concepts, and service providers that might not be viable without a critical mass of nearby residents.

Part of Newark's Broader Renaissance

The 930 McCarter Highway development does not exist in isolation but rather as part of an unprecedented wave of investment transforming downtown Newark. Nearby, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is implementing a $336 million campus expansion that will create an arts district featuring additional residential units, cultural facilities, and public spaces.

Throughout downtown, multiple residential and mixed-use projects are underway or recently completed, collectively adding thousands of new housing units to the market. This coordinated growth is creating the critical mass needed to support a thriving urban ecosystem of amenities and services.

Market indicators strongly validate this development approach. Downtown Newark's residential occupancy rates consistently exceed 95%, while retail occupancy has reached 91.4% as of early 2024. These figures demonstrate the strong demand for both housing and commercial space in Newark's resurgent core.

The evolving skyline reflects a city in transformation—moving confidently from its industrial past toward a future as a vibrant, diverse urban center. Projects like 930 McCarter Highway represent not just physical change but a fundamental shift in how Newark sees itself and how others perceive it.

Cultural Connectivity and Civic Life

One of 930 McCarter Highway's greatest assets is its proximity to Newark's cultural institutions and civic spaces. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Museum of Art, Newark Public Library, and Prudential Center arena all lie within walking distance, providing residents with access to world-class performances, exhibitions, and sporting events.

These cultural anchors enhance quality of life for residents while attracting visitors from throughout the region, creating the vibrant street life that characterizes successful urban neighborhoods. The synergy between residential development and cultural amenities fosters a community where creative expression and civic engagement flourish.

The expanded Riverfront Park adjacent to 930 McCarter will further enrich the area's public realm, providing recreational opportunities and gathering spaces that complement the private development. This balance of densification and open space preservation represents thoughtful urban planning at its best.

The Road Ahead

As construction at 930 McCarter Highway advances toward completion, attention now turns to finalizing the building envelope and executing the interior buildout. Boraie Development anticipates beginning the leasing process in early 2026, with the first residents moving in later that year.

The building's impact will extend well beyond its physical footprint, catalyzing further investment in the surrounding neighborhood and contributing to Newark's emergence as one of the region's most dynamic urban centers. With its strategic location, thoughtful design, and mixed-income approach, 930 McCarter Highway exemplifies the type of development that is fueling Newark's remarkable transformation.

For a city that has weathered economic challenges and negative perceptions, the rising tower at 930 McCarter represents not just physical reconstruction but psychological rejuvenation—tangible evidence that Newark's potential is finally being realized after decades of disinvestment.

As the city continues to evolve, developments like 930 McCarter Highway set a standard for inclusive, transit-oriented growth that honors Newark's past while embracing its future. The result is an increasingly vibrant urban environment that offers authentic experiences, diverse communities, and genuine opportunities—a city coming into its own on its own terms.