Downtown – Rahway, New Jersey
This handsome station and plaza are a common sight for commuters. One needs to walk a few blocks away to see some exciting things happening.
These way-finding signs offer an important amenity, especially for first time visitors. Given their significant size, a missed opportunity is to have something on the back blank side. Given the efforts to position Rahway as an arts-centric destination, something artistic or creative on the back of the signs would add another creative flourish to the downtown.
This monument on the Plaza recognizes Nikola Tesla. Apparently he had an important role bringing electricity to Rahway. It would be interesting to know more about this story, perhaps through an interpretive sign panel
The hotel anchors the plaza. A stone clad base gives detail on the pedestrian scale for what is a very large building overhead. When viewed from the NJ Transit railroad platform the hotel dominates the surrounding neighborhood and gives Rahway a skyline.
This handsome Romanesque Revival commercial building has decorative brick and cast concrete details. The central door is responded by an arched window on the second floor that slightly rises above the parapet.
The Wine & Design storefront has an attractive hand painted sign, bringing brand colors out on to the sidewalk. A cluster of businesses establish this as an emerging arts and entertainment district. Recruitment of complementary businesses would help.
The district banner program carries bright colors and the typical Live, Work, and Shop brand pillars. To this they add “Create.” This provides nice differentiation for Rahway.
Paint is used to activate and cover this building that has gone through some major renovations. The angel wings public art gives an Instagram worthy moment for visitors.
River City Gaming opened in 2022 and is further enhancing the downtown as an entertainment destination. They have a variety of games from traditional to modern PC, PS5, and Nintendo consoles. Two pool tables and two air hockey tables give a nice vintage feel.
Wholly Cow opened in early 2023 and sells gelato and coffee. This is their only location. The interior has a sophisticated high end vibe.
Back towards the station The Coffee Box is another third place that encourages people to gather outside of work and home. Overall Rahway is positioned well for significant growth with a supportive local government and growing cluster of arts and entertainment businesses.
2023 Visit
During an earlier visit we observed the gateway signage for Rahway. From the billboard in the background to the Rahway Recycles sign in the foreground, the gateway sign is lost. A more prominent and visible sign at a better distance from other signs would be preferable.