Located at Textile Lofts, J&L Cos.’ mixed-use property at 142 Lafayette St. in Newark, Brick 142 is a coworking and social club designed for entrepreneurs, creators, builders and business leaders that will meet a growing need in the Ironbound neighborhood. — Courtesy: J&L
By Joshua Burd
J&L Cos. has secured a new anchor tenant for its Textile Lofts property in Newark, inking a lease to bring a real estate brokerage and a coworking hub to the distinctive mixed-use building.
According to the firm, the Da Silva Team will occupy 11,386 square feet of ground-floor space at 142 Lafayette St., the site of a historic garment factory that J&L has restored and adapted as a modern residential and commercial destination. The location will serve as the brokerage firm’s new headquarters and home to Brick 142, a coworking and social club designed for entrepreneurs, creators, builders and business leaders that will meet a growing need in the Ironbound neighborhood.
To that end, the facility will have 23 private offices, conference rooms, parking, a podcast studio, flexible coworking area and an event space focused on collaboration, networking and community programming.
“The Ironbound has always been a neighborhood built by entrepreneurs, builders and people willing to roll up their sleeves and create opportunity,” said Gabriel Lopez, principal of J&L Cos. “Brick 142 captures that spirit. Brendan and his team are bringing dynamic energy to the building and the neighborhood, creating a place where people can connect, collaborate and create.”
Located just three blocks from Newark Penn Station, Textile Lofts opened in 2018 with 62 residential units and commercial space that retained its industrial character, including exposed brick, timber columns and original architectural detailing. Brick 142 is now open as its newest tenant, offering memberships, private offices, event programming, conference facilities and collaborative workspace options designed to serve Newark’s growing community of entrepreneurs, creators and professionals.
“We want Brick 142 to be more than an office,” said Brendan Da Silva, CEO of the Da Silva Team. “It’s about building infrastructure for entrepreneurship in Newark — giving people space, resources and an environment to start ideas, grow businesses and create real momentum. The Ironbound is a place that already has that energy, and this is about adding to it in a meaningful way.”
Local leaders welcomed the announcement as another example of private investment helping strengthen Newark’s East Ward.
“Projects like Brick 142 demonstrate what’s possible when local stakeholders come together with a shared vision for the neighborhood,” said Michael Silva, East Ward councilman. “The Ironbound continues to attract people and businesses who want to be part of its energy and growth. This new concept creates an important gathering place for entrepreneurs and professionals while contributing to the vibrancy and momentum that make our community unique.”
