Walker House at 540 Broad St. in Newark — Courtesy: L+M Development Partners
By Joshua Burd
A newly opened, 264-unit apartment building in downtown Newark is set to welcome a craft brewery and tap house to its commercial offerings.
L+M Development Partners announced this week that Newark Local Beer has signed on to Walker House, a converted former office tower at 540 Broad St. The 6,300-square-foot space will be located on the ground level of the property — which L+M restored in partnership with Prudential Financial and the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group — and is slated to open in spring 2020.
Pierson Commercial represented the developers in the transaction.
“Newark Local Beer is committed to rebuilding the beer culture that was once an integral part of the city, and we are thrilled to be involved in the ongoing growth in Newark,” said Miller and Steve Hughes, the founders of Newark Local Beer. “Our goal is to provide unique and flavorful beers while educating consumers about the brewing process.”
Plans for the business include a taproom fitted out with reclaimed, industrial materials, offering a mix of bar seating and communal space. Newark Local Beer will offer 10 distinct flavors of beer that constantly rotate to offer visitors the latest and best options, using locally sourced ingredients.
In doing so, both the operator and development team will seek to draw visitors to the Broad Street corridor on nights and weekends, creating a neighborhood meeting spot with strong ties to both Walker House residents and the nearby community.
“Newark Local Beer is going to be a fantastic addition to the neighborhood and will join our growing and exciting tenant roster at historic Walker House,” said Jake Pine, director at L+M Development Partners. “We were particularly drawn to Miller and Steve’s focus on creating a true community gathering spot, and we’re thrilled Walker House residents will be just an elevator ride away from the best brewery in town.”
The development team joined city officials in June to unveil Walker House, which has given new life to the landmarked New Jersey Bell tower. Designed in the 1920s by famed architect Ralph Thomas Walker, the 21-story office building now features 264 units of mixed-income housing and will also contain a UPS Store and Per Scholas, the nationally renowned tech training nonprofit.
Also joining Newark Local Beer on the ground floor will be Bada Bean Cawfee, a 2,300-square-foot mafia movie-themed coffee shop and restaurant. L+M also recently announced that Method Climbing, the first indoor rock-climbing facility in Newark, will open on the ground floor and lower level of Walker House this fall.
Rock climbing gym coming to rehabbed New Jersey Bell tower in Newark
