A major new residential development is on its way to the heart of downtown Newark, New Jersey. Located at 48–54 Branford Place, a 32-story residential tower has been approved by the Newark Landmarks Commission. The project is being developed by Branford Studios LLC and designed by the Derosa Group. Rising to a height of 347 feet, the high-rise will include 441 residential units and ground-floor retail space, helping to transform a nearly half-acre L-shaped parcel between Washington and Halsey Streets.
Rendering courtesy of The Derosa Group
The project’s design features a bold, contemporary look that will stand out in Newark’s primarily low-rise landscape. An aerial rendering looking southwest shows the tower beginning with a multi-story podium that includes a covered terrace supported by a series of columns along its edge. The structure then continues upward in a uniform rise with no setbacks, culminating in a flat parapet and a rooftop deck. The building’s façade will include narrow floor-to-ceiling windows arranged in a white-paneled grid, punctuated by black balconies that appear at varying intervals on all six faces of the tower. A short mechanical bulkhead caps the structure.
Additional renderings highlight the development from various perspectives, emphasizing its prominence and scale compared to the surrounding neighborhood. A close-up view of the podium and street level reveals large double-height windows across the retail and parking levels, designed to enhance the pedestrian experience and activate the streetscape. The parking garage will occupy floors two through five, with access located at the northern end of the building’s base.
Residential units will span levels seven through 32 and are expected to offer modern living spaces with expansive views of the city. Residents will also have access to a suite of amenities, including a welcoming lobby, a mail room, a party room, an indoor lap pool, a rooftop lounge, and a roof deck with views over Newark and beyond. Part of the cellar level will also be allocated for retail use, expanding the building’s footprint as a neighborhood destination.
The development site is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Newark Penn Station, providing direct transit connections to New York City and the surrounding region. It is also within walking distance of the Prudential Center and several key downtown attractions, making it an attractive location for both commuters and long-term residents.
While the Newark Landmarks Commission has given its approval, a construction timeline for the project has not yet been announced. Once underway, the tower at 48–54 Branford Place is expected to make a significant contribution to Newark’s growing skyline and help catalyze further development in the area.