A rendering of Vibe, a planned 256-unit luxury residential tower in downtown Newark — Courtesy: Strategic Development Partners
By Joshua Burd
A developer has unveiled plans for an $80 million luxury apartment project in Newark, touting a 256-unit tower that will offer “resort-style living” in the heart of the city’s downtown.
The firm, Strategic Development Partners, said the building will sit at the intersection of Halsey and William streets and place residents two blocks from Broad Street. Along with apartments ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, the property known as Vibe will feature two street-level restaurants.
The developer also touted high-tech features such as building-wide WiFi, apartments and common areas that are enabled with Amazon Echo service and smartphone-, app-driven apartment entry. Those offerings are in addition to a slate of high-end amenities such as a rooftop pool and whirlpool spa, large outdoor dining area and communal party room with chef’s kitchen and bar.
“Vibe will offer a technology-rich environment with abundant lifestyle amenities for millennials, who prefer the energy and convenience of cities like Newark,” said Anthony V. Bastardi, chairman and CEO of Strategic Development Partners. “The location — just minutes from diverse dining options, world-class cultural events, sports and transportation — will make Vibe an enviable address.”
SLIDESHOW: Renderings of Vibe in Newark
All renderings courtesy: Strategic Development Partners
Current plans call for the unit mix to include around 154 one-bedrooms, while the remainder will be split between two-bedrooms and studios, the developer said in a news release. The building will offer 156 on-site parking spaces.
Vibe is the latest among several luxury apartment projects to move forward in downtown Newark, following the opening of 160 units at the rehabilitated Hahne & Co. building and the 245-unit One Theater Square project. The latter is now under construction near the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, while several other projects are in the city’s pipeline.
“Vibe represents a significant investment in Newark by a talented and experienced team of redevelopment professionals,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said. “It is yet another exciting sign that this city is a highly desirable location.”
Amenities at Vibe will also include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor yoga and Pilates studios, a high-tech conference room and large game room and children’s play areas, the news release said. In addition, the development team said it will market Vibe’s access to cultural offerings, the Prudential Center, transportation and a variety of restaurants downtown and in the Ironbound district.
“We have incorporated resort-style amenities into every detail of Vibe,” said Barbara A. Hillier, principal with Studio Hillier, a partner in the venture. “Residents will enjoy light and airy living spaces, as well as a menu of highly-desired social and recreational opportunities.”
Stakeholders also touted features such as temperature controls and package-receipt notification that are tied to residents’ smart phones and a concierge.
“This technology-rich environment, coupled with other first-class amenities, distinguishes Vibe as a leading player in Newark’s hottest residential market,” said Adrienne Albert, CEO of The Marketing Directors. “This is especially important to millennials, who prefer the convenience of living in the city, with access to cultural and sporting events, as well as transportation, recreational amenities and the latest technologies. Vibe has it all.”
