Page 22 - RE-NJ

20 SEPTEMBER 2023
A BROADER VIEW
Audible taking new steps to drive office, retail activity in Newark beyond its headquarters
Aaudible has been anything but a typical corporate office tenant during its 16 years in Newark, where it has seeded tech startups, subsidized employees who live in the city and funded a delivery program to help restaurants survive the COVID-19 crisis.
The audiobook giant is now doubling down on that approach with its newest set of business attraction efforts, which figure to have a
direct impact on commercial real estate near its headquarters at 1
Washington Place. Look no further than the four technology firms
that — with guidance and financial support from Audible — have leased office space about a block away at 550 Broad St.
“We want to create more jobs, so we’re being very intentional about targeting tech and innovation because we know the job rub-off is higher for tech companies than it is for other companies,” said Aisha Glover, vice president of urban innovation for Audible’s Global
Center for Urban Development. “And so, using that
as our North
Star — are these
businesses
really scaling
and growing
where they can
get to a point
of greater job
creation — is
definitely important for us as a company, as we think about what our impact is in Newark.
“We’re headquartered here, so we want to take a really proactive approach to what our economic and social impact could be.”
The startups — ABF Creative, Gymble, co:census and Fitnescity
— were among those that had already benefited from the new programs that Audible announced
in early August, seeking to increase foot traffic, create sustainable businesses and expand the amenities and retail scene around Newark’s Harriet Tubman Square. To that end,
By Joshua Burd
Audible has stepped up its efforts to attract new businesses and tenants to downtown Newark, which figure to have a direct impact on commercial real estate near its headquarters at 1 Washington Place.
Aisha Glover
Courtesy: Audible