Newark Ave Prepped for Facelift, Botox
The revitalization of Newark Avenue's downtown business district has been the holy grail of downtown redevelopment. Even long time residents critical of new construction lament the lack of better retail options in the historic business district. The long discussed "restaurant row" zoning was heralded as a major step, and while three new restaurants opened since June of this year, the street still wants for major improvements.
Below: OX is the most recent addition to Newark Avenue's restaurant scene.
However, the tide may finally be turning. "Space for Rent" and going out of businesses signs have recently appeared on numerous storefronts. Normally such signs would suggest a declining business district. However, in this case, its the discount and 99 cent stores that are closing, likely making way for higher paying tenants.
Below: Blue Jeans, a discount clothing store, announces a going out of business sale a former 99 Cent store is now just a super store, with a for rent sign in the window; another store front has been vacated and renovated awaiting a tenant.
So far, the only national retail chains on Newark Avenue are an ever increasing number of banks. Independent specialty boutiques have been sprouting around Grove Street for a number of years; the same sort of stores that made a name for Williamsburg and Park Slope. Newport Mall has long been criticized for robbing the historic businesses districts of customers-- hindering redevelopment rather than helping the revitalization of the city. But Newport as a repository for national chains has allowed the independent retailers the opportunity to flourish.
Anecdotal evidence would suggest the high-rise yuppies and downtown hipster set are bypassing Newport Mall; anchor stores JCPenny, Sears and Kohls would also support this. A healthy shopping district ideally would attract customers beyond local residents; a street lined with independently owned stores would become a destination in and of itself. However, generic national chains would do little to attract outside customers since identical products are offered in the same stores from here to Oshkosh Wisconsin, and beyond.
In September, GlobeSt reported that rents along Newark Avenue have risen steadily, averaging $7,000 for a storefront. The high price will likely drive out the many discount stores currently lining the south side of the street, but could pose a significant obstacle to new businesses as well.
New residential projects in western sections of Newark Avenue promise to add more foot traffic along Newark Avenue's shops as pedestrians head for the PATH at Grove Street. Treetop Development's 213 Newark Avenue will add more retail space and 76 residences just west of Jersey Avenue probably by 2009. Further west on Newark is five story project 272 Newark Avenue and there are two twelve story buildings approved at 380 and 361 Newark Avenue. Additional projects are adding dozens more housing units just off Newark Avenue, like the 54 unit project Crescent Court. This influx of new residents along Newark Avenue is at least 18 months away, but the promise of new customers may prove attractive to businesses looking to get in early.
Below: OX is the most recent addition to Newark Avenue's restaurant scene.
However, the tide may finally be turning. "Space for Rent" and going out of businesses signs have recently appeared on numerous storefronts. Normally such signs would suggest a declining business district. However, in this case, its the discount and 99 cent stores that are closing, likely making way for higher paying tenants.
Below: Blue Jeans, a discount clothing store, announces a going out of business sale a former 99 Cent store is now just a super store, with a for rent sign in the window; another store front has been vacated and renovated awaiting a tenant.
So far, the only national retail chains on Newark Avenue are an ever increasing number of banks. Independent specialty boutiques have been sprouting around Grove Street for a number of years; the same sort of stores that made a name for Williamsburg and Park Slope. Newport Mall has long been criticized for robbing the historic businesses districts of customers-- hindering redevelopment rather than helping the revitalization of the city. But Newport as a repository for national chains has allowed the independent retailers the opportunity to flourish.
Anecdotal evidence would suggest the high-rise yuppies and downtown hipster set are bypassing Newport Mall; anchor stores JCPenny, Sears and Kohls would also support this. A healthy shopping district ideally would attract customers beyond local residents; a street lined with independently owned stores would become a destination in and of itself. However, generic national chains would do little to attract outside customers since identical products are offered in the same stores from here to Oshkosh Wisconsin, and beyond.
In September, GlobeSt reported that rents along Newark Avenue have risen steadily, averaging $7,000 for a storefront. The high price will likely drive out the many discount stores currently lining the south side of the street, but could pose a significant obstacle to new businesses as well.
New residential projects in western sections of Newark Avenue promise to add more foot traffic along Newark Avenue's shops as pedestrians head for the PATH at Grove Street. Treetop Development's 213 Newark Avenue will add more retail space and 76 residences just west of Jersey Avenue probably by 2009. Further west on Newark is five story project 272 Newark Avenue and there are two twelve story buildings approved at 380 and 361 Newark Avenue. Additional projects are adding dozens more housing units just off Newark Avenue, like the 54 unit project Crescent Court. This influx of new residents along Newark Avenue is at least 18 months away, but the promise of new customers may prove attractive to businesses looking to get in early.
Labels: Newark Ave
4 Comments:
this really is the one time you want to see "going out of business" signs in this city. Youre right. I hope this leads to happy medium between higher end privately owned businesses but not too many high end starbucks and the such to rob from the main business drag in the city. If the sidewalk were tree lined in the next few years, Newark Ave could really be a destination for all the city.
You forgot to mention "Nine Lives", the new skate shop at 298 Newark Ave! However, a four-story building approved by the planning board last week would replace this skate shop and it's neighboring building.
Interestingly enough, on the same day I posted about Newark Avenue's lack of chain stores and potential for independently owned boutiques, The Real Deal posted a store on the chain store invasion of Brooklyn. Starbucks, Chase, Duane Reade plan to double to triple their outlets in Brooklyn over the next three years:
http://www.therealdeal.net/breaking_news/2007/11/27/1196179199.php
My concern is over the realty places on Grove St. Have you noticed that at one corner, 3 of the 4 stores are realtors?
My hope it that they all take off once all the new/flipped condos are sold. Good riddence!
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