Camden Affordable Housing Tower Reopens After Major Renovation Following Years of Safety and Maintenance Concerns

For years, one of Camden’s most recognizable residential towers struggled with maintenance problems, aging infrastructure, and serious housing code violations. Now, after a large-scale redevelopment effort, the building has been transformed through a $130 million investment aimed at preserving affordable housing while improving living conditions for hundreds of residents.

Hudson Valley Property Group announced the completion of a comprehensive renovation of The Encore, a 21-story residential tower located at 433 N. Seventh Street in Camden. The property, formerly known as Northgate One, contains 321 apartment units and serves as an important source of affordable housing in the city.

The redevelopment project was completed in August 2025 after approximately 18 months of construction work. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony was later held on June 4, 2026, marking the official celebration of the building’s transformation and its renewed role in the community.

The renovation represented a significant investment in both the structure and the residents who call the building home. Developers said approximately $48 million was dedicated to construction work that modernized every apartment, improved energy efficiency, and introduced a range of new amenities. Throughout the process, residents were able to remain in their homes while the upgrades were carried out.

The building has undergone extensive changes inside and out. The redevelopment included major improvements to the exterior facade and core infrastructure, helping modernize a property that was originally built in 1963. Individual apartments received new kitchens equipped with energy-efficient appliances, updated bathrooms, new flooring, upgraded lighting, and improved heating and cooling systems designed to provide greater comfort and efficiency.

Residents also gained access to a variety of upgraded shared spaces. The project added or expanded several community-focused amenities, including a fitness center, business center, community room, and improved laundry facilities. A restored two-story penthouse has also been repurposed to serve as an event space for residents and community activities.

Local officials described the project as an important step forward for both the property and the surrounding neighborhood. Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen said the redevelopment represents a new beginning for residents and helps secure long-term affordability while enhancing quality of life in North Camden.

The investment comes after years of challenges at the property. In spring 2022, inspections of the then-Northgate One complex identified 1,155 code enforcement violations. The issues were documented during a two-week inspection period and included plumbing concerns, repair needs, cockroach infestations, and a variety of other maintenance problems that affected residents’ daily lives.

According to project officials, those issues were addressed as part of the renovation effort. The goal was not only to repair existing problems but also to create a safer, more modern living environment capable of serving residents for decades to come.

Safety upgrades became a major component of the redevelopment. The building now features enhanced security measures, including surveillance systems throughout the property, controlled access points, an intercom system, and coordination with local law enforcement as part of a broader security strategy.

Beyond physical improvements, the redevelopment introduced several community-oriented initiatives intended to strengthen resident engagement and improve quality of life. New features include a dedicated play space for children, an art partnership that showcases student-created work, and an on-site urban farm designed to increase access to fresh food.

Longtime residents say the changes have had a noticeable impact on everyday life inside the building. Karen Merricks, who has lived in the property for three decades, said residents have embraced the transformation and take greater pride in their homes. She described the atmosphere within the building as dramatically different from what it had been before the renovation.

One of the most significant aspects of the project is the continued commitment to affordability. Nearly all apartments remain covered by a 20-year project-based Section 8 agreement that limits rent payments to 30% of a resident’s income. Additional affordability requirements connected to federal tax credits are expected to keep the property affordable for at least the next 30 years.

The redevelopment also utilized New Jersey’s Aspire tax credit program, which supports housing and economic development projects throughout the state. Developers said the project demonstrates the value of preserving existing affordable housing properties rather than replacing them, particularly at a time when affordable housing remains in high demand.

With construction completed and residents benefiting from extensive upgrades, The Encore now stands as a dramatically different property from the one that faced hundreds of housing violations just a few years ago. The project preserves hundreds of affordable homes while providing residents with modern amenities, improved safety features, and upgraded living spaces designed to serve the community for years to come.

Sources

• Hudson Valley Property Group
• City of Camden