The Newark Housing Authority along with city officials and HUD representatives cut the ribbon yesterday to open the new Training, Recreation, and Education Center at 55 Ludlow Street in the city’s South Ward. Newark Housing Authority will manage programs and events from the TREC. The facility is an ideal location for satellite offices of businesses and organizations to service low-income residents and the community at large. The 24,000 square foot facility has the following amenities: smart classrooms for state-of-the art educational and job training programs, conference rooms, study cubicles, a gymnasium with locker rooms, a weight and cardio equipment room, fitness classrooms, and a security camera system. The facility will service adults, seniors and youth in the Dayton Neighborhood and nearby communities. Partners for programs include Essex County Community College, Newark Beth Israel Hospital, the City of Newark and Rutgers University.
“Economic development and prosperity for our residents are critical priorities for my administration,” Mayor Baraka said. “Creating this Training, Recreation, and Education Center will help us accomplish these goals, and also provide needed public space for South Ward residents, particularly in the Seth Boyden Complex. I commend the Newark Housing Authority and its partners for their hard work in developing this center, and to help build a Newark that we can all believe in.”
“The TREC is a needed addition to the Dayton Street neighborhood. I am very pleased that the $5 million in funding provided through HUD’s Capital Fund Education and Training Community Facilities Program jumped-started this effort,” said Director Maio-Messano. “Area residents will be able to use the facility to improve their quality of life, by acquiring skills to move them on the road to self-sufficiency.”
“The Stronger New Jersey Neighborhood and Community Revitalization (NCR) Program was created to advance projects that will have lasting economic and community impact throughout the State, with a focus on the nine counties most impacted by Superstorm Sandy,” said EDA Chief Executive Officer Melissa Orsen. “The opportunities and activities offered by TREC are clearly aligned with the objectives of the NCR program, and we are proud to have supported this valuable resource for Newark residents.”
Council Member James noted that, “Residents of the South Ward will greatly benefit from the community resource.”
“The construction of this 2,700 square foot facility marks the beginning of the redevelopment efforts for the Dayton Neighborhood and the Seth Boyden housing complex, which is also part of the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. We envision a facility that will enable residents to gain the necessary skills needed to improve their lives as well as offer a place to enhance their physical and social well-being,” said Director Kinard.
The architect, IKON 5, received the AIA Merit Award for the innovative design of the TREC by the American Institute of Architects. Other construction team members consist of Hunter Roberts, prime contractor and ACB Consulting Services, construction manager lead by Alicia Biasotti. The total construction cost is approximately $11.2 million.
Photos courtesy of City of Newark Press Office.
