From left: REDCOM Design & Construction CEO Ryan Teicher, Rahway Mayor Raymond Giacobbe Jr., Plainfield City Councilman Charles McRae and REDCOM Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sam Rockaway were among those on hand for a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the United Way of Greater Union County’s new headquarters in Rahway. — Courtesy: REDCOM
By Joshua Burd
The United Way of Greater Union County has opened its new headquarters in Rahway after a nearly six-month renovation of a former Elizabethtown Gas Co. building.
Spearheaded by REDCOM Design & Construction, the project at 219 Central Ave. included a full interior renovation and fit-out and a roof replacement. The building also required new mechanical systems, wiring and plumbing, a fire alarm system and removal of the basement ceiling and framing.
The City of Rahway has provided the building to United Way on a long-term lease of $1 per month, with the provision that the nonprofit renovate it to make it fit for occupancy. Wells Fargo also supported the organization’s move with a $500,000 philanthropic investment as the lead sponsor for the Building Hope in Our Community Capital Campaign.
“This project has been in the works for several years, and I am grateful that REDCOM helped it become a reality,” Julienne Cherry, CEO and president of United Way of Greater Union County, said during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. “UWGUC is forever thankful to Mayor (Raymond) Giacobbe for welcoming us to the city of Rahway where we will expand our family success center and continue our mission of building stronger, healthier and more compassionate communities.”
Executives with Westfield-based REDCOM, which United Way tapped as construction manager and general contractor for the project, was among those hand on for the Sept. 18 event. They included CEO Ryan Teicher and Sam Rockaway, the firm’s vice president of sales, who were in attendance alongside Wells Fargo representatives, state Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Giacobbe, Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Plainfield City Councilman Charles McRae and other politicians and community leaders.
REDCOM, which has operated in Union County for more than 40 years, managed the renovation at below cost. The project began in March and concluded this past summer.
“As a company deeply rooted in the community, we are honored to offer our construction services to United Way of Greater Union County at a discounted rate,” Teicher said. “It is our privilege to contribute to initiatives that positively impact our local communities.”
Wells Fargo noted that the former Elizabethtown Gas building had been vacant since 2018. Its transformation took place with the help of a team that also included the Hyde and Watson Foundation, Grassman, Union Foundation, Stilo Disposal, Novo LLC Commercial Flooring, Leebro Plumbing and other sponsors.
“For 100 years, United Way of Greater Union County has played a key role in community growth and improving the lives of individuals, children and families in the greater Union County area,” said Krissy Moore, Wells Fargo’s senior vice president for community relations in the Northeast. “Wells Fargo’s grant is another example of our continued partnership and shared goal to provide resources for thousands of New Jersey families in need. We are thrilled to be part of the Grand Opening to celebrate this significant milestone in the history of the organization.”
Giacobbe added: “It is truly a feather in downtown Rahway’s cap to attract a premier nonprofit brand to downtown Rahway. This move increases the availability of services for our residents and will further increase the vibrance and vitality of the northern end of town.”
