Restoration of Historic Newark Synagogue Building Nears Completion; Transforms into Community Education Space
Photo credit: Greater Newark Conservancy
Greater Newark Conservancy Advances 30-Year Transformation of Historic Site into Community Education Hub
NEWARK, NJ — After many years of preservation, planning, and phased construction, Greater Newark Conservancy is proud to announce that Phase 2 of its Education Building will be completed this Spring — marking a major milestone in the transformation of one of the nation’s oldest surviving synagogue structures into a vibrant community asset.
Originally acquired by Greater Newark Conservancy in 1995 following a hard-fought preservation effort, the building — constructed in 1884 by Oheb Shalom Congregation and later occupied for over 50 years by Metropolitan Baptist Church — had been slated for demolition in the early 1990s.
The Conservancy’s Education Building is the oldest surviving structure built as a synagogue in Essex County and one of the 35 oldest in the USA. Its façade features a rare example of Moorish Revival architecture also utilized in 19th Century synagogues constructed in New York City, Cincinnati, Budapest, Florence, Prague, and other cities. The Conservancy building is also the only surviving 19th Century Moorish Revival synagogue in New Jersey.
Since taking ownership, Greater Newark Conservancy has undertaken a careful, phased approach to stabilizing and rehabilitating the historic structure in an effort to reuse it as an educational and community space for the public.
“It has been a dream of Conservancy board members for many decades to completely reopen our historic house of worship,” said Mark W. Gordon, Newark community member and the Vice Chair of the Board of the Greater Newark Conservancy.
By 2016, Phase 1 construction transformed the building’s lower level into functional program space including classrooms, a professional kitchen, and restrooms, alongside construction of a three-story Addition to support utilities, accessibility, and expanded programming.
Phase 2 construction, launched in November 2025 and set for completion this Spring, completes fit out of the Addition’s upper floors and includes installation of an electric traction elevator serving all levels, four new bathrooms, and a new exterior stairwell to meet modern safety standards.
At the same time, the Conservancy’s architects, Sage and Coombe, are completing plans this Spring for Phase 3 – rehabilitation of the historic former sanctuary to reopen as a major educational and community resource. Construction of this final phase is scheduled to start in 2027.
When complete, the re-activated space will host educational programming, including teacher training and student workshops in environmental science and nutrition, as well as community events such as job fairs, cultural exhibitions, and public meetings. The space will also feature performances, including concerts, theater, and dance, as well as private events like weddings and family gatherings.
According to the Executive Director of the Conservancy, Wilson Cano, “Reopening the Education Building’s sanctuary will allow the Conservancy to better fulfill our mission and our commitment to Newark.”
The organization is proud to play a role in protecting the historic legacy of Newark while also expanding its community impact at the same time.
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About Greater Newark Conservancy
Founded in 1987 as a community gardening initiative, Greater Newark Conservancy has grown into a leading force in urban agriculture, environmental education, and community wellness. For nearly four decades, Greater Newark Conservancy has empowered Newark residents by transforming vacant lots into thriving farms, educating thousands of students through hands-on environmental field trips, and increasing access to fresh produce through farmers markets, CSA programs, and mobile farm stands. For more information, please visit www.greaternewark.org/.
