Newark is moving forward with a new affordable housing development that will bring 33 homes to downtown, adding to the city’s efforts to expand housing options. The 10-story project, known as Kawaida Towers, is planned for 17–21 Halsey Street near Harriet Tubman Square.
The Newark Central Planning Board approved the project's final site plan, with the decision reported on October 30. The development will include 21 rental apartments and 12 affordable condominiums, creating opportunities for both renters and eligible homebuyers.
Affordable Housing With Neighborhood Amenities
The proposed development will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes intended for households with different housing needs. Plans also include approximately 3,166 square feet of ground-floor retail space, intended for a grocery store, along with a fitness center, tenant lounge and rooftop terrace.
The combination of housing and retail could help bring more activity to the surrounding neighborhood while providing residents with convenient access to everyday services. However, the grocery store operator and opening date have not been announced.
A Development With Newark Roots
The Kawaida Towers name has historical significance. An earlier, much larger housing proposal carrying the same name became controversial in the 1970s before being abandoned. The current project is a separate development at a different location, with a smaller footprint focused entirely on affordable housing.
A September 2026 Newark City Council resolution listed the current project's estimated cost at approximately $25 million and supported an application for state affordable-housing funding. That support does not necessarily mean the full funding has been awarded.
What Happens Next?
The planning approval marks an important step, but financing and construction preparations still need to advance. Officials have not announced a confirmed construction start date or completion timeline.
If completed as proposed, Kawaida Towers would add 33 affordable homes, including 12 condominiums, to Newark's housing supply. The project is relatively small compared with the city's larger residential developments, but its combination of affordable housing and planned neighborhood retail makes it a notable addition to downtown revitalization efforts.
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