Newark Museum, Tech School Earn ‘Good Neighbor’ Awards

NEWARK, NJ — The Donald Payne Vocational Technical School and the Newark Museum have earned a nod as “good neighbors” from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA).

On Tuesday, the NJBIA announced the winners of its 59th annual New Good Neighbor Awards, which honor redevelopment projects in New Jersey that benefit their communities and improve the state’s economic landscape.

Honorees for 2019 included the Donald Payne Vocational Technical School and the Newark Museum. Here's why they're boosting the community, according to the NJBIA:

Donald M. Payne Sr. Vocational Technical School, Newark - "This $106 million project, a collaboration between the County of Essex and the Essex County Schools of Technology, is a model of urban renewal and green community initiatives. The West Market Street property was once the site of an abandoned hospital, which needed to be demolished and environmentally remediated before the project could move forward with extensive community involvement. It includes 85 classrooms and labs, an 800-seat auditorium, rooftop greenhouse and accompanying gardens. The architect was Di Cara Rubino, of Wayne, and the builder was DOBCO Inc., of Wayne."

Newark Museum - "For nearly 20 years, the historic front entrance of the Newark Museum was shuttered to provide climate control and security for the galleries inside. This $5.2 million project has helped to reinvigorate the museum’s connection to the community by creating a new entrance visible from adjacent Washington Park. A previously closed gallery for temporary exhibits was also transformed into a spacious lobby and bright visitor orientation center. The project was designed by Michael Graves Architecture, of Princeton, and built by Hollister Construction Services, of Parsippany."

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