Historic Newark Building Saved From Demolition, Set for New Life

The former Oheb Shalom Synagogue will be transformed into an educational and community space.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of the exterior facade of a historic building, repeated in a tight grid pattern to create a modern pop art effect, without any text or labels.The vibrant colors and repeated patterns of this pop art-inspired illustration capture the historic significance and community-focused future of the former Oheb Shalom Synagogue building in Newark.Newark Today

A historic former synagogue building in Newark, New Jersey that was slated for demolition in the 1990s has been saved and is now undergoing a multi-phase renovation to turn it into an educational and community resource center. The Greater Newark Conservancy acquired the 1884 building in 1995 and has been working to restore and repurpose the space.

Why it matters

The building is one of the oldest surviving synagogue structures in the United States and features a rare example of Moorish Revival architecture. Preserving this historic landmark and transforming it into a community asset helps to protect Newark's cultural heritage and provide new educational and event programming for local residents.

The details

Originally built in 1884 for the Oheb Shalom Congregation, the building was later occupied by the Metropolitan Baptist Church for over 50 years. In the early 1990s, the building was slated for demolition, but a preservation effort led by the Greater Newark Conservancy saved it. The Conservancy has been working on a multi-phase renovation project to transform the building into an educational and community space. Phase 1, completed in 2016, converted the lower level into classrooms, a kitchen, and other functional spaces. Phase 2, launched in 2025 and set for completion this spring, will finish the upper floors of a new addition and install an elevator and other safety upgrades. Phase 3, scheduled to begin in 2027, will rehabilitate the historic former sanctuary to reopen it as a major community resource.

  • The building was originally constructed in 1884.
  • The Greater Newark Conservancy acquired the building in 1995 after a preservation effort.
  • Phase 1 of the renovation project was completed in 2016.
  • Phase 2 of the renovation project was launched in November 2025 and is set for completion this spring.
  • Phase 3 of the renovation project is scheduled to begin in 2027.

The players

Greater Newark Conservancy

A non-profit organization that has helped transform other local properties into refurbished community assets, and is leading the renovation and repurposing of the historic former synagogue building.

Mark Gordon

Vice chair of the Greater Newark Conservancy who helped save the building from demolition in the early 1990s.

Sage and Coombe

The architecture firm completing the plans for the final phase of the renovation project.

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What they’re saying

“It has been a dream of Conservancy board members for many decades to completely reopen our historic house of worship.”

— Mark Gordon, Vice chair, Greater Newark Conservancy

What’s next

Construction of the final Phase 3 to rehabilitate the historic former sanctuary is scheduled to start in 2027.

The takeaway

The preservation and repurposing of this historic Newark landmark demonstrates the power of community-driven efforts to protect cultural heritage and transform underutilized spaces into vibrant educational and gathering places that can benefit local residents for generations to come.