Mayor Cory A. Booker joined representatives from Tucker Development Corporation and Marriott International yesterday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown, a mixed-use hotel and retail project that will be a significant catalyst to the economic growth of the downtown Newark area by bringing additional investments, ratables and employment to the Brick City.
Located just a few blocks from Newark Penn Station, the Courtyard by Marriott is the first new hotel for the City's downtown in more than four decades. The development will generate a total of 50 to 75 permanent jobs through the hotel and retail operations. Marriott
International manages the day-to-day hotel operation. NewarkWORKS, Newark's one-stop employment center, facilitated hiring for the hotel and will assist hiring efforts for the retail.
"The opening of this Courtyard by Marriott, the first new hotel in downtown Newark in over 40 years, is proof that people are coming to Newark to do business and be entertained," Mayor Booker said. "Visitors want to be part of the Newark story. This beautiful new building on Broad Street, built by Tucker Development and the Essex County Building Trades, will host thousands and thousands of Newark visitors. They will bring more life to our streets and tell friends when they return home what a great City Newark is."
Tucker Development Corporation, a leading developer of shopping center and mixed-use properties throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, developed the project, and will lease and manage the development's approximately 14,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.
"The completion of this world-class hotel and retail center is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration between the City of Newark and Tucker Development Corporation," Tucker Development Corporation President and CEO Richard Tucker said. "As the Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown takes its place at the heart of Newark's revitalized downtown, the future that was envisioned years ago by Mayor Booker is now a reality. All who were involved with this project, including Robert Finvarb Companies, our development partner, from the planning stages to today's ribbon-cutting, should be extremely proud."
Located at the northeast corner of Broad Street and Lafayette Street, the development is adjacent to the Prudential Center, home to the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils and host to approximately 200 sporting, concert and family events every year. "The Rock" has been a major draw for downtown Newark since its opening in 2007, attracting as many as 18,000 spectators per night for sporting events and playing an important role in the city's revitalization.
"Every day downtown Newark is becoming more and more of a 24/7 place to live and work -- and now with this new hotel, downtown will be even more of a destination," said Adam Zipkin, the City of Newark's Deputy Mayor and Director of the Department of Economic and Housing Development. "This administration has worked hard with Tucker Development and local labor to build a hotel that will welcome guests in style. This new Courtyard by Marriott will employ our residents, become an anchor of commerce and life on Broad Street, and help fulfill Mayor Booker's vision of a City that is welcoming to all."
The hotel and retail project is within walking distance to Newark Penn Station, offering easy access to New Jersey Transit, NJ PATH, Newark Light Rail and Amtrak. The development's presence on the heavily traveled Broad Street presents a unique opportunity for retailers to take advantage of existing foot traffic, as well as offering an opportunity to become a new retail destination for Newark residents, visitors and patrons of the Prudential Center. The hotel is also anticipated to accommodate travelers due to its close proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport.
"From day one, Courtyard has prided itself as a brand that listens to what business travelers want from a hotel," said Janis Milham, vice president, Global Brand Manager, Courtyard by Marriott. "Guests want more control and choice with services and amenities that create a healthy balance between working and relaxing. We redefined the Courtyard lobby so it invites guests to get out of their rooms to work, socialize or for entertainment, whether traveling alone or with colleagues."
About Tucker Development Corporation
Founded in 1996, Tucker Development Corporation specializes in the development of shopping centers and mixed-use properties in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company is one of the most reliable retail and mixed-use developers in its respective markets, developing and managing quality retail and mixed-use properties totaling approximately five million square feet.
For more information on Tucker Development Corporation, visit www.tuckerdevelopment.com or for leasing information, contact Adam Moschin at (847) 926-9999 or amoschin@tuckerdevelopment.com.
