After decades of preservation, planning, and phased construction, the Greater Newark Conservancy has announced that Phase 2 of its Education Building will be completed this Spring. This marks a significant milestone in transforming one of the nation’s oldest surviving synagogue structures into a vibrant, modern community asset.
Originally constructed in 1884 by the Oheb Shalom Congregation, the building is the oldest surviving structure built as a synagogue in Essex County and ranks among the 35 oldest in the United States. Its façade is a rare, stunning example of Moorish Revival architecture, making it the only surviving 19th-century synagogue of its kind in New Jersey.
A Legacy of Preservation
Acquired by the Conservancy in 1995 after being slated for demolition, the building previously served as the home of the Metropolitan Baptist Church for over 50 years. Since taking ownership, the Conservancy has utilized a careful, phased rehabilitation strategy:
• Phase 1 (Completed 2016): Transformed the lower level into functional classrooms, a professional kitchen, and a three-story utility addition.
• Phase 2 (Spring 2026): Completes the upper floors of the addition, including a new electric traction elevator serving all levels, four modern bathrooms, and an exterior safety stairwell.
• Phase 3 (Starting 2027): Managed by architects Sage and Coombe, this final phase will focus on the total rehabilitation of the historic former sanctuary.
“It has been a dream of Conservancy board members for many decades to completely reopen our historic house of worship,” said Mark W. Gordon, Vice Chair of the Board.
A New Chapter for Newark
Once fully re-activated, the Greater Newark Conservancy Education Building will serve as a multi-use resource for the city. Planned programming includes:
• Education: Teacher training and student workshops in environmental science and nutrition.
• Community: Job fairs, cultural exhibitions, and public meetings.
• Arts & Culture: Concerts, theater, dance performances, and private events like weddings.
Executive Director Wilson Cano noted that reopening the sanctuary is central to the Conservancy’s commitment to Newark, allowing the organization to expand its community impact while protecting a vital piece of New Jersey’s architectural history.
