Newcomb Senior Apartments at 1023 East Almond St. in Vineland — Courtesy: Eastern Pacific Development
By Joshua Burd
Eastern Pacific Development has completed the 65-unit first phase of a new senior housing complex in Vineland, with construction now underway on the project’s second piece.
The locally based firm, along with its Brookfield Construction affiliate, is repurposing the former Newcomb Hospital parcel off South State Street with a series of public and private funding sources. The developer welcomed public officials recently to unveil the initial four-story building for residents 55 and older, touting a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in accordance with New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency guidelines.
Eastern Pacific also held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the 70-unit second phase of the Newcomb Senior Apartments, which will also span 60,000 square feet.
“My goal is to provide opportunities for impactful emotional, physical and social experiences that help senior residents live independent lifestyles,” said Hans Lampart, CEO and president of Eastern Pacific Development. “Seniors deserve to live comfortably and affordably, and by transforming blighted properties into housing with services that enhance the quality of life, we are moving the Vineland community forward.
“I will admit I was a little apprehensive about the design for this project when it was first presented, but I couldn’t be happier with how phase one turned out,” he added. “Our architect, John Pederson, and our designer Lori DiMatteo Fiocchi, have again done a fantastic job and were right in their vision. I can’t wait to hear the response from our future residents.”
Eastern Pacific has financed the $30 million project, which comes nearly two decades after the hospital closed, in part using 9 percent federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners and HMFA, according to a news release. TD Bank, Fulton Bank and Century Savings Bank are providing additional support.
J.W. Pedersen of Vineland and MidAtlantic Engineering Partners of Hamilton provided architectural design and engineering services, respectively. Eastern Pacific noted that tenants at the property will benefit from two elevators, laundry facilities on each floor and on-site property management, with planned social activities and events.
“It is always a pleasure to work with Hans and the Eastern Pacific Development team. It is truly a collaborative partnership,” said Melanie Walter, HMFA’s executive director. “Affordable housing for seniors is critical to maintaining a good, strong and vibrant community. We want to do all that we can to help older New Jersey residents on low or fixed incomes age comfortably in place with autonomy and dignity.”
Those on hand for the recent ceremony included U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, Vineland Councilman Paul Spinelli and Cumberland County Commissioner Joe Sileo. As part of the program, Eastern Pacific unveiled a painting of the former Newcomb Hospital by renowned local artist George Perez.
“We are pleased that Hans undertook this project and that he paid homage to the history of Newcomb Hospital by commissioning the painting which will hang in the lobby of phase one,” Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci said. “It holds many special memories for Vineland residents. And I cannot think of anyone better to have created the painting than George Perez. His work is admired throughout the region, and he has certainly brought the old building to life once again.”
New 65-unit senior housing property coming to ex-hospital site in Vineland
