In a bid to breathe new life into Newark’s Arts & Education District, the city, in collaboration with Invest Newark, has pledged a substantial $2.3 million in funding for eight local retail businesses. This transformative initiative, aptly named the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative, aims to bolster the number of amenities in the district, enhancing the city’s physical appearance and enriching the lives of residents, visitors, and workers.
Diverse Ventures Receive Support
The inaugural group of awardees, all Black-owned ventures with over half owned by Newark residents, represents a diverse range of businesses set to invigorate the heart of Newark’s Arts and Education District:
- Newark Culture Club – An upcoming vibrant performance space and craft cocktail bar owned by Newark resident Justin Williams, host of the Brick City Comedy Revue.
- Lashed Queens – Owned by Brittany Payton, Lashed Queens offers an upscale Beauty Bar experience, specializing in skin care and aesthetic services.
- Uncle Willie’s Wing – Owned by Newark resident Walter Green, Uncle Willie’s Bar and Grill will provide venue space for events highlighting local painters, poets, and sculptors.
- Consigliere – An upscale wine and tapas bar owned by Newark resident Karl Fowlkes and operated by Terrance Wesley Campbell, Consigliere will feature an extensive wine list focusing on the African diaspora and New Jersey-based wineries.
- Casa De Flora – A retail flower boutique and coffee café owned by Maritza Walton, providing a welcoming space for brunch, work, and events.
- Katherine’s Restaurant – Owned by Newark resident Jason Wallace, Katherine’s Restaurant & Brewery will offer American cuisine and onsite brewed signature lagers, ales, and stouts.
- Equal Space – A co-working space owned by Newark resident Citi Medina, catering to entrepreneurs, founders, and small businesses led by people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Delta’s – Owned by successful restaurateur Joshua K Suggs, Delta’s is a full-service restaurant and bar serving Southern Cuisine with live entertainment.
City’s Commitment to Economic Growth
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its commitment to bringing life into vacant retail spaces and enhancing Newark’s overall appeal. He commended the entrepreneurs for embodying the resilience and spirit of the city, adding even more energy to a district that has become a commercial and cultural hub.
Marcus T. Randolph, President, and CEO of Invest Newark highlighted the diversity and local roots of these entrepreneurs, expressing pride in supporting their dreams. He emphasized the creation of an ecosystem that shapes the future of Newark for generations to come.
Festival Lights Illuminate Halsey Street
In tandem with the retail initiative, new festival lights have been installed on Halsey Street, marking the second phase of the Festival Lighting Project. This collaborative effort between Newark Alliance, Newark Downtown District, Prudential Financial, McLaren Engineering Group, and local stakeholders aims to boost foot traffic, enhance commercial corridors, and increase public safety.
