Brewery to open in Newark’s historic Walker House

Newark Local Beer, a craft brewery and taproom, is set to be the newest tenant at the Walker House in Newark, according to a trio of investment partners.

Walker House is L+M Development Partners, Prudential Financial and Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group’s latest downtown Newark investment in partnership with Citi Community Capital.

The 6,300-square-foot brewery, founded by Miller Hughes and Steve Hughes, is slated to open in Spring 2020 on the ground floor of 540 Broad St. It will bring beer, tours and a private event space to the city.

“Newark Local Beer is committed to rebuilding the beer culture that was once an integral part of the city, and we are thrilled to be involved in the ongoing growth in Newark,” Miller and Steve Hughes said. “Our goal is to provide unique and flavorful beers while educating consumers about the brewing process.”

Walker House, which officially opened in June, formerly housed NJ Bell. Designed by architect Ralph Thomas Walker in the 1920s, the 21-story building has 264 studio to three-bedroom residences starting at $1,875 per month. Residential amenities are located on the top floor and include a fitness center, yoga studio, game room, private catering kitchen and dining room, a rooftop terrace, fire pits, BBQs, and more.

“Newark Local Beer is going to be a fantastic addition to the neighborhood and will join our growing and exciting tenant roster at historic Walker House,” Jake Pine, director at L+M Development, said. “We were particularly drawn to Miller and Steve’s focus on creating a true community gathering spot, and we’re thrilled Walker House residents will be just an elevator ride away from the best brewery in town.”

Joining Newark Local Beer on the ground floor will be Bada Bean Cawfee, a 2,300-square-foot mafia movie-themed coffee shop and restaurant, and a UPS Store.

L+M also announced that Method Climbing, an indoor rock climbing facility, will open 22,000 square feet on the ground and lower level of the facility in the fall.