New Future Brewing For Former Pabst Blue Ribbon Site In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — The Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery in Newark was demolished 12 years ago. But there are big plans in the works for the property, which once served as one of the Brick City's most familiar landmarks, officials say.

Located along South Orange Avenue near Fairmount Cemetery and West Side High School – just a few blocks east of the Garden State Parkway – the site has been vacant since the remnants of the brewery were demolished in 2008. But the brewery’s beer bottle-shaped water tower remains a fond memory for many longtime Newark residents.

Now, a new life may be on tap for the vacant site, city officials say.

According to a statement from the office of Mayor Ras Baraka, a “massive” mixed-use development proposal was recently approved by the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment. If it comes to fruition, the complex would bring 660 residential units and ground floor commercial space to the site.

The proposed development would also have approximately 665 parking spaces, a day care center with outdoor secure play area, two gymnasiums, a common work area with conference rooms, individual study offices, an outdoor basketball court, community rooms and other related amenities.

Baraka and West Ward Council Member Joseph McCallum will hold a virtual community meeting to discuss the proposed development project at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 via the city’s Facebook page. Viewers will be able to learn the details of the proposals and ask questions, officials said.

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