Paramount Assets recently joined the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey and public officials for a ceremonial wall-breaking and lease-signing event at 375 McCarter Highway in Newark, marking the start of construction for a new 5,436-square-foot leadership center. — Courtesy: Paramount
By Joshua Burd
Paramount Assets has kicked off a project in Newark that will create a new program and events hub for some 13,000 Girl Scouts and 9,000 adult volunteers in the region.
The developer recently joined the organization and public officials for a ceremonial wall-breaking and lease-signing event at 375 McCarter Highway, marking the start of construction for the 5,436-square-foot space. Slated to open this fall, the new Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Leadership Center will have substantial program, administrative, storage and street-level retail space, along with basic kitchen facilities, restrooms, ample parking and 24/7 security, while the exterior will feature a community-oriented, Girl Scouts-branded mural created by a Newark artist meant to enhance the facility’s integration within the local cultural fabric.
“Newark was the ideal choice for our first-ever Girl Scout Leadership Center due to its strategic location, dynamic growth and vibrant diversity, which embody the multicultural ethos that Girl Scouts aim to promote,” said Natasha Hemmings, CEO of Westfield-based Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. “This expansion allows us to bring Girl Scouts to girls who may not have had access before, as well as to better serve our current membership of Girl Scouts, offering innovative and equitable access in a safe, supportive space.”
The 151,032-square-foot building, which was constructed in 1979 and renovated in 2024, has frontage on both McCarter Highway and Broad Street, according to a news release. Paramount added that it has quick access to Route 1&9 and is three-quarters of a mile from Interstate 78, just over a mile from Newark Penn Station and less than two miles from Interstate 280.
“Newark’s unique combination of economic vitality, cultural richness and progressive spirit creates an exceptional environment for GSHNJ to thrive,” Hemmings added. “We are immensely grateful to our board, donors, Paramount Assets, state representatives and the city of Newark for their warm welcome and unwavering support in helping to make this vision a reality.”
Those attending and speaking at the ceremony also included:
- GSHNJ Board Chair Dr. Naima Ricks
- Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver
- Newark East Ward Councilman Michael J. Silva
- Kaitlin McGuinness, senior projects specialist with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s office
The Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Leadership Center in Newark will look to provide a supportive all-girl environment, empowering them to lead their own experiences through activities like clinics, trips, cultural exchanges, community service projects and environmental stewardship, the news release said. GSHNJ said that approach helps girls develop their full potential while relating to others with increasing understanding, skill and respect and developing values that guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making.
“The region’s Girl Scouts will soon have an exciting, new facility that will provide them with a nearby place to meet, learn and hold memorable events,” said Richard Dunn, senior vice president of Paramount Assets. “This new Leadership Center will serve their current members and leaders, but more importantly grow their involvement in the Newark community and bring their programs to larger numbers of girls.”
Other tenants at 375 McCarter include Dash Mart by DoorDash NJ, the State of New Jersey, E-ZPass, Gopuff, Newark Downtown District, Newark One-Stop Career Center and Concentra Urgent Care.
