Newark is moving closer to realizing one of the largest public education projects in New Jersey’s recent history, as financing has been finalized to complete the city’s High School of Architecture & Interior Design. The school, located in the Ironbound neighborhood at the former St. James Hospital, welcomed its first cohort of students this past September while construction continues on the remaining phases of the development.
The adaptive reuse of the 190,000-square-foot, five-story building represents a bold transformation of a historic hospital into a state-of-the-art educational facility. The project, led by Summit Assets under a lease-purchase arrangement with Newark Public Schools, allows the district to gradually pay $300 million over 30 years, ultimately assuming full ownership of the property once all phases are completed.
The school’s curriculum is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a range of technical and creative disciplines, including architecture, interior design, engineering, HVAC systems, plumbing, electronics, and real estate. Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute contributed to the design of the curriculum, ensuring that students gain exposure to industry-standard practices and innovative design thinking that prepares them for careers in architecture, construction, and related fields.
While the first phase successfully opened the main academic building and classrooms, the second phase—planned to include a gymnasium, auditorium, and additional learning spaces—remains under construction. Currently, only the steel frame of this phase is visible on-site, but with $80 million in newly secured financing from Arrow Real Estate Advisors, the project is now fully funded to reach completion. This financial backing ensures that the remainder of the campus will be delivered according to the original vision, providing modern facilities that complement the school’s specialized programs.
City and education leaders have emphasized the broader impact of the project, noting that the school is not only a learning hub but also a catalyst for community development in Newark. By repurposing an existing hospital, the project preserves a historic structure while fostering educational opportunities in a high-demand field. The combination of architectural innovation, vocational training, and design-focused curriculum positions the school as a model for urban educational redevelopment in New Jersey.
The full campus, including the second phase’s gym and auditorium, is now scheduled for completion by June 2026. The school’s opening marks a milestone in Newark’s commitment to providing specialized educational pathways, with programs designed to equip students with practical skills and professional readiness immediately upon graduation.
For those interested in tracking the development of public education infrastructure and similar projects in the region, further insights can be found in education, highlighting ongoing investments, innovative programs, and the evolution of academic facilities across New Jersey.
The Newark High School of Architecture & Interior Design exemplifies the city’s forward-looking approach to education, combining historic preservation, modern construction, and specialized curriculum to create a learning environment that prepares students for a competitive and ever-changing workforce.
