BRICK TOWERS DEMOLITION & CELEBRATION

Newark, NJ – December 12, 2007 – Hailing the event as a milestone for the NHA and the City of Newark, Executive Director Keith Kinard said,  “This event will pay homage to the history represented in these two structures while at the same time launching us forward in celebration of new construction that will serve as the keystone to the continued redevelopment of Newark’s Central Ward,” Kinard said.

On hand to witness and to participate in this event will be many former residents including Mayor Cory Booker and community activist Miss Virginia Jones.

The NHA and its developer, Uni-Penn NJ, L.L.C., a joint venture formed by Pennrose Properties, LLC and One Real Estate Development LLC, will build 150 units of mixed income housing in a central tower  and 50 for sale condos on the site of  the two current structures.  The tower building will have retail on the first floor.   Additionally on the adjacent Montgomery Street property another 80 rental units will be constructed.  There will also be retail and other non-residential space on the lower Montgomery Street building floors.

The December 12 celebration marked the beginning of the demolition and remediation process that is slated for completion by October 2008.  The buildings will be demolished systematically using a mechanical method.  A large machine will be placed on the roof of the buildings that will crumble the building in large segments.  As the building comes down, the debris will be removed from the site.

EHS Environmental, Inc. will manage the demolition and remediation process.  

Mayor Booker addresses the crowd.

Rich Barnheart, CEO Penn-Rose Properties LLC, Rahim Islam, President One Real Estate, and Kenny Gamble Chairman of One Real Estate at the controls

Virginia Jones, long-time Brick Towers resident takes her turn at the controls.

Executive Director Keith Kinard

Modia Butler, Chairman NHA

West Side High Marching Band added a celebratory note to the demolition

the "Bricks" come down!