(TRENTON, NJ) -- On October 12, 2022, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJ EDA) Board approved the award of Historic Property Reinvestment Program (HPRP) tax credits to support the rehabilitation of Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City. This project, which marks the first award under the HPRP, is expected to result in the complete rehabilitation of the historic theater for use as a live performance, movie, and entertainment venue. The Board authorized the award of $42.27 million in tax credits, representing 45 percent of the eligible cost under the project, which has an estimated total cost of $110 million.
Created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, the HPRP’s main focus is historic preservation as a component of community development, aiming to attract long-term private investment into New Jersey while preserving historic properties throughout the state.
“By supporting projects like the revitalization of Loews Theatre into vibrant community assets, we are ensuring the long-term growth of local economies while preserving the history of iconic properties within New Jersey’s neighborhoods,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “New Jersey’s rich entertainment history is one of our greatest assets, and it is imperative that we continue to invest in our communities and enable them to maintain their historic structures.”
The HPRP is designed to work in conjunction with the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program to encourage and bolster long-term private investments focused on the rehabilitation of existing identified historic structures throughout New Jersey. The program incentivizes work that can significantly contribute to the revitalization of cities and downtowns into more vibrant magnets for people and investment, while preserving often underutilized historic properties and returning them to productive use.
“The long-awaited revitalization of Loews Theatre will be a tremendous economic driver that will lead to upholding the historic integrity of the property while offering new generations of New Jerseyans access to the performing arts,” said NJ EDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Governor Murphy has prioritized equitable and inclusive economic development, and the HPRP is an important tool in achieving that goal as we work to improve the quality-of-life for residents statewide.”
As planned, the proposed Loews Theatre Rehabilitation Project will be a state of the art, 21st century event space that will enhance the cultural, artistic, and community vibrancy of the Journal Square district, fostering economic prosperity in the neighborhood. Upon completion, the theater is anticipated to host around 150 events a year, in addition to several community programming events.
“The NJ EDA’s announcement today is a testament not only to the growing value of historic redevelopment, but also to the importance of preserving arts and culture in our communities,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Flop. “The Loews Theatre has stood for nearly 100 years as a major focal point here in Hudson County, and its transformation into an entertainment hub is a pivotal point in the continuing renaissance underway in Jersey City and our efforts to revive Journal Square. We are very grateful to Governor Murphy and the NJ EDA for their commitment to seeing historic properties turned into thriving cultural centers and for recognizing our efforts to restore this critical community asset.”
Mayor Flop noted that the rehabilitation work to Loews Theatre includes the building’s exterior, all public spaces, stage and support spaces, and modifications and upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. In addition, a new three-bay loading dock will be added at the rear of the theater, and a café is to be added along the south alley. Significant finishes at the interior and exterior will be rehabilitated or replicated where it was damaged beyond repair. All work is being reviewed by the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission, the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, and the National Park Service, and will follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties.
“The HPRP marks the first time that New Jersey has offered support specifically designed to rehabilitate historic buildings for 21st century use while ensuring that their historic integrity remains in place, so this is a very exciting day for Historic Preservation in the state,” said NJ EDA Director of Historic Preservation Aiding Milted. “We have seen a great response to this program and look forward to bringing additional projects from Community Development before the NJ EDA Board in the coming months.”
Milted noted that the 2023 application round for the Historic Property Reinvestment Program is expected to begin accepting applications for Regular and Transformative Projects on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 10:00am. The application round will close at 2:00pm on Monday, April 3, 2023.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJ EDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJ EDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJ EDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness
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