The first conceptual design was presented to City Council and the community on September 19th. The valuable feedback given by the City Council and community is being utilized in shaping the design of the new Civic Center.

In addition to the exterior of the buildings, the architects have been developing floor plans that meet the needs of each of the building’s users.  The floor plan for City Hall includes a functional space for City employees, a customer friendly one-stop-shop for Development Services, and a large and inviting Council Chamber.

Safdie Rabines Architects has designed a floor plan for the library with a sun lit children’s area on the first floor and a dedicated teen area and quiet adult area on the second floor.  The library will have a large community room facing the Civic Center plaza that will be available to rent for library activities and various community functions.  

Newark Police Department command staff has spent numerous hours working with the architect, McClaren, Wilson and Lawrie, Inc., and City staff to design a police department building that will support the operational needs of the City.

The original Feasibility Study designated the police building as a two story structure.  However, while designing the floor plan for the police department, it became apparent that the building would function better as a one story building.  The Feasibility Study showed the existing library as remaining but no use had been attributed to it.  It has been decided to repurpose the existing library to house some police functions and create several large community rooms.

The next City Council Work Session to review the design is scheduled for December 7th at 6pm in the Council Chambers.  The public is invited to attend.