We were invited to Hammonton, New Jersey, to participate in a press conference by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The purposes was to announce the recently awarded Main Street New Jersey Transformation Grants. While there we discovered a downtown that was experiencing a resurgence driven by entertainment and the arts. The Eagle Theatre was the catalyst for much
Photo of the Proprietary House from July 2024. Proprietary House This house was built by the Colonial proprietors of East Jersey in 1762 with bricks which were brought from England. It was first occupied by Frederick Smyth, Chief Justice of the Colony. Then, in 1774, by William Franklin who was appointed Governor by the King. The house became a British
We only had a few minutes to look around Jersey City. At the entrance as we drove into the city, we were greeted by this pylon sculpture with “Historic Downtown” messaging supporting stylized iconography with JC in a letter and Jersey City written on the edge. Landscaping and a flagpole give this traffic island a dignified and cared for feel.
We happened to visit Detour art gallery when the “Unprecedented” exhibition for Julie Rivera was showing. Her pieces had nature or animal themes that were cleverly adapted. Their space and other objects from their collection. Sculpture had a prominent position throughout. The space allowed larger or more unusual pieces to be displayed with plenty of open space around them. Detour
“West Fields” was settled in 1720 and incorporated in 1794. The Rialto Theater is among a rarer and rarer breed of operating downtown movie theaters. Spice Bazaar offers casual Indian dining from their sizable storefront. Some outdoor dining is provided on the sidewalk. Juxtapose Gallery Framing and Design has artistically transformed their narrow storefront and wall on the back of
This plat map reads more like a polished marketing piece: Another marker recounted the role of the railroad in the formation of Haddon Heights that began in 1877 with the construction of the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railroad that passed through the area. In 1890, Benjamin A. Lippincott was given permission by the railroad to construct a passenger station here
Glassboro owes much of its explosive growth due to close proximity to Rowan University. A major Nexus Properties multi-family development has greatly enhanced the residential population in and around downtown. This in turn has driven market dynamics supportive of businesses locating here. The center focal point of the development is an open space that serves as a mashup of a
During our visit to Valley Forge National Historical Park, we only had less than an hour to take in as much as possible. While driving around this memorial column caught our eye. It is topped with an orb and eagles with outspread arms. Valley Forge embodied the challenge of leadership. Washington was the acknowledged leader of a nation that was
This waterfront district with distinctive multi-story brick buildings with hipped roofs and chimneys. Connecting them are ample public spaces made that much more enjoyable by the near total elimination of automobiles. Wayfinding helps to orient and navigate people through the district. Nine city blocks and several piers anchor this neighborhood. Shipping container scaled temporary buildings help to activate the public
Newberry Opera House has a prominent central location, owing to their important social and civic function. The clock tower helps to make the main entrance stand out, as does the prominent canopy over the entrance. The Ritz Theatre is a second performing arts venue and home of the Newberry Community Players. While less prominent than the opera house, it also