Abandoned New Jersey Hospital to Rise Again as 42-Unit Workforce Housing

Building a 150-year-old Newark hospital into modern flats for professionals, students, and healthcare workers is a daring effort to rejuvenate a forgotten monument. It tries to blend historic preservation and affordable urban living.

Elavoz Impact Capital received huge state tax incentives to rebuild the sprawling former St. Michael’s Hospital, which has been abandoned for over two decades. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority funded the revitalization of neglected historic properties.

The 1869 hospital’s interconnecting buildings are unused for years. Redevelopment plans include 42 146-bedroom homes. Newark Commons will keep most of its architecture but convert the interiors for residential usage.

About 20% of the units will go to low- and moderate-income households, expanding the project. A 4,500-square-foot commercial and retail zone facing Central Avenue boosts local companies in addition to housing.

City officials support it. An overwhelming Newark zoning board approved the project design earlier this year. September saw the city council introduce a 30-year tax abatement for long-term affordability. The development will improve resources with National Park Service-approved federal historic preservation credits.

Construction begins early 2026. Newark Commons is seen by developers and city officials as a solution to soaring urban center rents since the outbreak. Centralizing housing and linking it to work incomes reduces housing demand and promotes economic diversity in downtown Newark.

This project appeals due to its historic integrity, affordability, and mixed-use. This supports current residents rather than displacing them. As the city is built, many will wonder if this blend of governmental incentive and corporate desire will revitalize older American cities.

Sources
WDHA local news report