Newark Symphony Hall has been approved for a $750,000 grant from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund to renovate and restore the 95-year-old landmark venue, it announced Friday.
The capital funds will be applied to NSH’s three-phase, five-year, $40 million renovation slated to begin in early 2021. The award comes from the New Jersey Historic Trust, an affiliate of the state Department of Community Affairs, NSH said in a news release.
“We are thrilled to have received these grant funds from the Historic Trust,” CEO and President Taneshia Nash Laird said in a prepared statement. “This capital grant of the maximum possible award demonstrates the state’s confidence in Newark Symphony Hall as a cultural and historic landmark.
“This award will help bring Newark Symphony Hall back to its prominence as a first-class performing and community arts center.”
Newark Symphony Hall, located at 1020 Broad St., was built in 1925 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It is owned by the city and operated by the nonprofit Newark Performing Arts Corp.
The funding earned in the 2020 round will support restoration of the building’s exterior façade, in compliance with historic preservation standards and guidelines.
“A fully renovated and active Newark Symphony Hall is envisioned as an anchor in our Lincoln Park neighborhood — as part of a restored artist district historically known as ‘The Coast,’” Nash Laird said. “Overall, our venue will continue to serve as the major arts and entertainment venue at the southern gateway to Newark’s downtown.”
The Historic Trust approved more than $10.2 million in grant recommendations for 50 projects, with four — including NSH — receiving the maximum funding.
“Investing in historic properties is key to preserving our past, present and future,” Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, commissioner of the DCA, said in a statement. “Each project represents a piece of New Jersey’s rich history. Restoring and preserving these properties will allow for the continued use of these structures and ensure that they continue to enrich and benefit the communities in which they are located.”
The grant recommendations require an appropriations bill and Gov. Phil Murphy’s approval before funds can be made available.
