Newark’s skyline evolution continues as the 25-story mixed-use tower at 930 McCarter Highway in New Jersey reaches its full height, marking a significant milestone in the city’s increasingly trendy downtown district.
Key Highlights:
- 25-story residential tower has topped out at 289 feet
- Project will deliver 333 apartments (20% affordable) and ground-floor retail
- Cornerstone of Newark’s vibrant riverfront revival and urban renaissance
The transformation of Newark’s Passaic riverfront took a major step forward this month as the 25-story tower at 930 McCarter Highway officially topped out at its full height of 289 feet. The mixed-income residential project, developed by Boraie Development, represents one of the most significant additions to Newark’s evolving skyline in recent years.
Milestone in Newark’s Urban Renaissance
The 930 McCarter Highway project, which broke ground in mid-2024, has quickly risen to become a prominent fixture on Newark’s increasingly desirable waterfront. The L-shaped glass tower, designed by MHS Architects, reached its structural completion in February 2025, with construction crews now focused on facade installation and interior work ahead of a planned 2026 opening.
The topping out ceremony marks a significant achievement for Newark’s riverfront district, transforming what was once a vacant lot into a vibrant, transit-connected community that will house hundreds of residents while activating the Passaic waterfront.
Newark’s Strategic Growth Vision
The 930 McCarter Highway project exemplifies Newark’s strategic approach to urban development. The city has prioritized transit-oriented, mixed-income projects that enhance Newark’s growing reputation as an affordable alternative to other high-priced urban centers. This development aligns perfectly with the city’s vision for activating the Passaic riverfront with modern residential options.
As part of the project plan, 68 of the 333 planned apartments (approximately 20%) will be designated as affordable housing units. This mixed-income approach aligns with Newark’s vision for inclusive growth as the city continues its upward trajectory.
Historical Context: From Industrial Hub to Urban Revival
Newark’s current transformation represents a profound evolution from its industrial past. Once a manufacturing powerhouse, the city experienced economic challenges in the mid-20th century as industries declined. The riverfront areas, once dominated by factories and shipping facilities, fell into disuse as the manufacturing economy shifted.
The 930 McCarter Highway site itself reflects this transition. For decades, the waterfront property remained underutilized, representing untapped potential along the Passaic River. The River Public Access & Redevelopment Plan, established to reclaim these valuable waterfront areas, signaled Newark’s commitment to reconnecting residents with the river that once defined the city’s economy.
The 1.1-acre parcel at 930 McCarter Highway exemplifies this vision of reclaiming industrial spaces for modern urban living. The project’s design consciously embraces the waterfront, with the building’s orientation maximizing river views while ensuring public access to the shoreline—a stark contrast to the industrial era when the riverfront was primarily reserved for commercial operations.
Transit-Oriented Living in Trendy Downtown Newark
Located within the River Public Access & Redevelopment Plan area, 930 McCarter Highway is strategically positioned within Newark’s increasingly hip downtown district. The site sits just steps from the NJPAC/Center Street light rail station and within a short walk of Newark Penn Station, offering direct access to Manhattan via PATH trains, as well as regional connections through NJ Transit and Amtrak.
This transit-rich location makes 930 McCarter particularly attractive to young professionals and creatives seeking modern living spaces with New York City accessibility at more competitive price points than comparable options in Jersey City or Hoboken.
Architectural Innovation and Sustainability
The tower’s design by MHS Architects incorporates contemporary elements while respecting Newark’s architectural heritage. The glass façade provides expansive views of the Passaic River and the Manhattan skyline, while the building’s L-shaped configuration creates varied perspectives from different vantage points across the city.
The 289-foot structure implements numerous sustainability features, including energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and the use of environmentally responsible building materials. These elements align with Newark’s broader goals for environmentally conscious urban development.
Interior spaces have been designed with a focus on natural light, open floor plans, and flexible living arrangements that appeal to today’s urban residents. Common areas will feature collaborative spaces, reflecting the growing trend toward community-oriented residential developments where residents can work, socialize, and relax without leaving their building.
Amenities and Mixed-Use Vision
When completed in 2026, the high-rise will feature:
- 333 residential units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments
- Approximately 3,750 square feet of ground-floor retail space
- A four-level parking structure with 240 spaces
- Integration with the expanded Riverfront Park, including public waterfront access
The development reserves a portion of the 1.1-acre site for the extension of Riverfront Park, creating additional green space and public riverfront access – a key component of Newark’s broader waterfront revitalization strategy that’s drawing increasing attention from urbanites throughout the region.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond its physical presence, the 930 McCarter Highway project represents significant economic investment in Newark. The construction phase alone has generated hundreds of jobs, with many positions filled by local residents. Once completed, the building will create permanent employment opportunities in property management, maintenance, security, and retail operations.
The project’s economic ripple effects extend beyond direct employment. New residents will support local businesses, restaurants, and services, contributing to Newark’s expanding tax base. The mixed-income approach ensures that this economic activity benefits a diverse range of residents, supporting Newark’s inclusive growth model.
Local businesses anticipate increased foot traffic and consumer spending as the development fills with residents. Several entrepreneurs have already begun exploring retail concepts for the surrounding blocks, recognizing the potential of this emerging neighborhood.
Part of Newark’s Buzzing Development Scene
The 930 McCarter project is part of an unprecedented wave of development transforming downtown Newark into one of New Jersey’s most exciting urban destinations. Nearby, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is undertaking a $336 million campus expansion that will create an arts district with 350 residential units and cultural venues. Other luxury residential towers are also rising in the area, with several recently completed projects adding hundreds of upscale apartments to the downtown market.
These developments are creating a more vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood in downtown Newark, with residential density supporting new retail, dining, and cultural amenities. Market indicators strongly support this growth trajectory, with downtown Newark’s residential occupancy rates consistently above 95% and retail occupancy reaching 91.4% in early 2024.
Cultural Renaissance and Community Integration
Newark’s revitalization extends beyond physical structures to include a cultural renaissance that celebrates the city’s diverse heritage and creative energy. The 930 McCarter Highway development sits near several of Newark’s premier cultural institutions, including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Museum of Art, and the Newark Public Library.
These cultural anchors provide residents with access to world-class performances, exhibitions, and educational opportunities. The proximity of 930 McCarter to these institutions creates natural synergies between residential living and cultural engagement, fostering a community where the arts play a central role in daily life.
Community programming at Riverfront Park further enhances this cultural dimension, with seasonal events, outdoor performances, and recreational activities that bring together residents from across Newark’s diverse neighborhoods. The park extension incorporated into the 930 McCarter development will expand these opportunities, creating new venues for community gathering and celebration.
Looking Ahead
As construction at 930 McCarter Highway advances toward completion, attention now turns to finalizing the building’s exterior glass facade and completing interior finishes. Boraie Development reports that leasing is expected to begin in early 2026, with residents moving in later that year.
The influx of new residents will further catalyze retail growth and neighborhood amenities in the surrounding area, continuing Newark’s evolution into a premier urban destination within the New York metropolitan region. With average market-rate rents around $2,200 per month – significantly lower than Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even Jersey City – Newark offers an increasingly attractive value proposition for urban dwellers seeking modern amenities and transit connectivity.
The 930 McCarter Highway development exemplifies the high-quality, mixed-income housing that is reshaping Newark’s downtown. By combining market-rate and affordable housing with public waterfront access and transit connectivity, this project represents the forward-thinking urban planning that is making Newark one of the region’s most promising growth markets.
About Newark’s Renaissance: Newark is experiencing unprecedented growth as developers and residents alike discover the city’s unique combination of historic architecture, cultural institutions, transit connectivity, and relative affordability. The downtown district has seen over $4 billion in development in recent years, transforming the area into a vibrant, diverse community attracting young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs.
