Hans Lampart, CEO and president of Eastern Pacific Development, speaks at the recent groundbreaking for the firm’s Newcomb Senior Housing project at 66 South State St. in Vineland — Courtesy: Eastern Pacific/2021 Jarett Mutts Photography
By Joshua Burd
A developer has broken ground on a two-building, 65-unit senior housing complex in Vineland, helping to repurpose the former site of a hospital that closed in 2004.
The locally based firm, Eastern Pacific Development, said the first phase of its Newcomb Senior Housing will be complete around early 2023. At that time, the onetime Newcomb Hospital property at 66 South State St. will become a home for residents age 55 and older, with a design that reflects state-supported standards in sustainable building and energy efficiency.
The developer and its Brookfield Construction affiliate welcomed Mayor Anthony Fanucci and other local and state officials recently for a ceremonial groundbreaking.
“Partnerships between the private sector, federal and state agencies and the city are critical in addressing the need for more affordable housing,” said Hans Lampart, CEO and president of Eastern Pacific Development. “As Vineland residents get older, many want to continue living in the city they’ve known and loved for their entire lives. I am proud that we will soon transform this vacant lot into quality housing with the kinds of amenities our seniors deserve. I want to thank Mayor Fanucci and the members of City Council for their efforts in helping to bring this project to fruition.”
In a news release, Eastern said it was financing the $35 million project in part by using federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. It’s doing so in tandem with Enterprise Community Partners and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, while TD Bank and Century Savings Bank are also providing financing support.
Pedersen Architecture of Vineland and MidAtlantic Engineering Partners of Hamilton provided project design and engineering services, respectively.
“Our aging population is so vital to our culture and community, and they deserve the opportunity to age in place with dignity and peace of mind,” Fanucci said. “This project is a perfect example of how the local government can work with a creative developer like Hans to build housing that meets the needs of our seniors, while also playing a strategic role in our downtown revitalization efforts. It brings good construction jobs for local subcontractors and will improve the quality of life for homeowners in the neighborhood.”
The developer added that Newcomb Senior Housing will feature one- and two-bedroom units with high-end appliances, on-site property management and planned social activities and events.
“Ensuring that New Jersey senior residents are able to age in place and remain in or near the communities where their families are is a priority for HMFA and the Murphy administration,” HMFA Executive Director Melanie Walter said. “Eastern Pacific Development’s Newcomb redevelopment is an example of our agency’s mission, providing financing for safe, permanent, affordable housing in New Jersey through investment in strong communities.
“With an award from our 9 percent LIHTC allocations in 2020, this project will increase the supply of affordable and quality housing for senior citizens and will contribute to the growth and revitalization of downtown Vineland.”
