51-59 16th Ave, Newark, NJ
5-story mixed-use building
Role: Project Designer, Design Coordinator in collaboration with Blackberry Studio
Empire Apartments is a five-story, mixed-use development located in Newark’s South Ward, strategically designed to elevate the urban residential experience while activating street-level engagement through integrated retail spaces.
Set on a prominent city block, this project includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom residential units on the upper floors, along with ground-floor retail and commercial frontage. The design features a modern palette of materials—corrugated metal panels, fiber cement siding, and contrasting brick bases—to create depth, rhythm, and visual contrast across the façade.
A strong emphasis was placed on walkability and community accessibility, with a prominent pedestrian entry, landscaped frontage, and integrated signage that defines the building’s brand identity.
As Project Designer and Design Coordinator (in collaboration with Blackberry Studio), William A. Moses helped shape the architectural character, program layout, and urban integration of the building. BIM and advanced modeling tools were used to refine unit layouts, ensure zoning compliance, and streamline collaboration with structural, MEP, and city stakeholders.
Key Highlights:
- 5-story mixed-use building with residential and ground-floor retail
- Modern materials: rustic metal, fiber cement, and dark brick
- 1-bed & 2-bed layouts with amenity-ready floor plates
- Efficient unit configuration and building core coordination
- Collaborative project delivery using BIM and multi-disciplinary integration
This development represents the forward-thinking momentum of Newark’s architectural and housing evolution—pairing smart design with community-driven growth.
