Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark Housing Authority Executive Director Keith Kinard, New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Melissa Orsen, and Newark US Department of Housing and Urban Development Field Office Director Maria Maio-Messano cut the ribbon today to open the renovated Lincoln Towers, Phase I senior citizens’ complex at 79 Lincoln Street.

Lincoln Towers, formerly Scudder Homes, Geraldine “Gigi” Foushee Towers, consisted of two, 11-story high-rise buildings containing 252 studios, one- and two-bedrooms apartments. The construction and renovation reduced the overall number of units to 209-one and two-bedroom apartments, to create more efficient living spaces. In addition to a new façade, windows and floors, the reconfigured living spaces have upgraded amenities: central heat and air-conditioning, laundry facilities, community room, energy-efficient appliances, security cameras, building access by key cards and new elevators.  Residents were relocated on- and off-site during construction, closing one of the towers on-site and operating units in just one tower.  Residents began to move into the newly renovated 103 units in the first tower, Phase I, in early October.  Construction on the second tower, Phase II, began in October 2016.

“Our senior citizens are often dependent upon their landlords to provide adequate housing,” said Mayor Baraka. “We are pleased that the Housing Authority and several partners were able to finance the much-needed renovation for this project.”

“Newark’s cherished seniors deserve to live in newly-renovated apartments they will be proud of,” said Director Maio-Messano. “I am so pleased that HUD will continue to provide rental subsidies for these fixed-income residents that need it the most. Lincoln Towers will provide comfort, convenience, and security to our most vulnerable residents.”

“ The Economic Redevelopment and Growth Program was designed to help developers bridge a gap in financing to move important projects forward,” said Ms. Orsen. “We are pleased to support the redevelopment of these residential towers, which will offer modern amenities and improved quality of life for many Newark residents.”

“The Housing Authority is dedicated to its mission to provide affordable, decent housing to the most vulnerable residents, senior citizens, and to invest in all our families. Statistics show that pleasant, livable environments inure to the mental and physical well-being of all people. We are grateful to our funding partners, HUD, EDA, NJHMFA, PNC Bank and the City of Newark and to our expert construction team. Lincoln Towers exemplifies the good things that happen when federal, state and local governments work together,” said Director Kinard.

The construction team consists of: Hunter Roberts, Prime Contractor; Mikesell & Associates, Architects; and ACB Consulting Services, Construction Manager headed by Alicia Biasotti.  Funding for the construction of this affordable housing complex consists of 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, funding from the EDA’s Economic Redevelopment and Growth program,  equity and debt supported by PNC National Bank, CDBG funds from the City of Newark and Project-Based Vouchers from HUD.  The total development cost for the two phases is approximately $64.4 million.

The Newark Housing Authority is a public housing agency and a redevelopment authority. Its portfolio includes more than 77 developments, scattered sites and other real estate. For more information, go to www.newarkha.org.