Plans for the first phase of the Millard E. Terrell Homes redevelopment project, which is under construction at 97 Chapel St. in Newark, call for a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments with retail and community spaces, as well as on-site parking. — Rendering by Thriven Design/Courtesy: City of Newark
By Joshua Burd
Construction is underway on a project that will bring dozens of age-restricted affordable housing units to Newark, the first piece of a multiphase plan in the city’s East Ward.
Its developer, The Alpert Group, joined Mayor Ras J. Baraka and other officials on Monday to break ground on the 67-unit building at 97 Chapel St. Plans call for a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments with retail and community spaces, as well as on-site parking, in a project that will replace the historic but deteriorating Millard E. Terrell Homes just east of the Passaic River and north of Raymond Boulevard.
Thriven Design is the project’s architect on behalf of The Alpert Group, a fourth-generation real estate management and development firm that has built more than 3,500 units of housing and currently owns and manages a portfolio of over 2,500 units in New Jersey.
“The first phase of the Terrell Homes project represents our determination to provide comfort and security to the elders of our community,” Baraka said. “This five-story building will provide 69 affordable, age-restricted apartments specially designed for seniors to age-in-place.”
The former public housing complex opened in 1947 and was renamed in honor of Millard E. Terrell, a decorated World War II veteran who was the first Newark Housing Authority tenant to become one of the authority’s commissioners. City officials noted that he held that post for 13 years until his death in 1986, adding that tenants held Terrell in high regard for his hard work and commitment to improving the facilities.
Even so, the housing authority sought to redevelop the site amid concerns about flooding, mold and other issues. That plan received a boost last July when the state Economic Development Authority approved an $8.9 million tax credit for the project under the state’s Aspire program, noting that the agency would enter into a ground lease with Terrell Redevelopment Partners Urban Renewal LP.
“It is steeped in the respect and compassion we have for our parents and grandparents who have raised up all of Newark through their perseverance, sacrifice, energy and faith,” Baraka added. “It incorporates the anticipated health, social and transportation needs of our seniors. This initiative is not just comprehensive and forward-thinking, it is attentive and compassionate. Our city extends its heartfelt gratitude to New Jersey Economic Development Authority for this wonderful opportunity for our seniors.”
City officials on Monday said the building will have four stories of apartments over a first floor with a lobby, a management office, a supportive services office, a generator, a compactor and a utility room. It will also incorporate resiliency features, safeguarding residents against potential weather-related events, while it will be constructed above flood elevation levels.
“The Alpert Group is excited to be the co-development partner with the Newark Housing Authority on this redevelopment initiative,” said Joseph Alpert, the firm’s president. “Together, with the city of Newark, we have obtained financing partnerships from the New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Enterprise Community Partners and TD Bank, which will bring brand new, modern, affordable housing back to the Terrell Homes site.”
Officials added that phase two will be a family housing development, while details about unit configuration are still being negotiated. A project concept, with proposed benchmarks and a financial pro forma, will be drafted this summer.
“The groundbreaking of the Terrell Homes redevelopment project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing Newark residents with safe, secure and modern affordable housing,” Newark Housing Authority Executive Director Leonard Spicer said. “We are grateful for the support of the NJEDA and Aspire program, and we look forward to collaborating with our residents and community partners to bring this transformative vision to life.”
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