Newark Civic Center
The Civic Center, which includes the David W. Smith City Hall, the Newark Police Station, and the Alan L. Nagy library, is the largest project ever undertaken in Newark. The process was streamlined by the architects, builders, and engineers through the design-build delivery method, allowing it to be completed on time and on budget.
The three different buildings are centered by a plaza that serves as a multi-function public event space, evoking a distinct town center feel and creating a sense of community for Newark residents.
The team used bridging and schematic documents developed by Heller Manus Architects, in collaboration with Safdie Rabines Architects and McClaren Wilson & Lowrie, Inc as a starting point for the project.
Perkins&Will, as the Executive Architect/Architect of Record, further developed and refined the design and completed the project with our Design-Build partner, Webcor Builders.
When the original City Hall was demolished to make way for the new Civic Center, we ensured the preservation of its stained-glass mural celebrating Newark’s history and thoughtfully integrated it into the new complex. Previously mounted on a brick facade and backlit—visible only from the exterior—it never benefited from natural light. Wanting to reveal its full beauty, we divided the artwork’s scenes among the three new buildings and installed them outside the glass curtain walls, allowing sunlight to illuminate the lobbies with vibrant, colored light.
Alan Nagy, Mayor, City of Newark
The Newark Civic Center establishes a cohesive public destination through the thoughtful arrangement of a new Library, City Hall, and Police Building. Each user group had distinct requirements, and a program validation phase allowed us to confirm the bridging document data and tailor each facility to the specific needs of its occupants—from City officials and elected leaders to librarians and police officers.
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