Shaq Helps Break Ground On Riverfront Newark High-Rise
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - One of Newark's biggest supporters helped break ground Friday for a rental complex that'll be the first to go up in downtown Newark in 50 years.
Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal was on hand along with Mayor Cory Booker to kick off construction of One Riverview at Rector.
"A new high-rise residential tower with 169 unit of market-rate housing," Newark Deputy Mayor Adam Zipkin said.
Shaq Helps Break Ground On Riverfront Newark High-Rise
As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported, the high-rise building will go up across McCarter Highway from the Passaic River and in the backyard of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Shaq Helps Break Ground On Riverfront Newark High-Rise
The base of the building is the old Newark Science High School. The windows are broken and the paint is peeling, but the brick facade is still strong, 1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon reported.
"This is really a neighborhood in transformation. Military Park just a couple of blocks away is under renovation and it's partnering with the team that did Bryant Park in New York City," Zipkin said. "For the first time in 60 years, the population of Newark is growing."
Shaq has invested in getting the $61 million project done in his hometown.
"My mother and father always taught me that if I became successful, to give back. So I wanted to do my part and help beautify Newark," Shaq said at the groundbreaking. "We will do more...I love Newark."
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