20 Littleton Avenue
Project Name: 20 Littleton Avenue
Mixed-use, mixed income housing development in partnership with local hospital featuring ground floor healthcare services and 78 units of affordable housing, including for individuals experiencing homelessness, in Newark’s Fairmount neighborhood.
Primary Partner Team: C+C Apartment Management | City of Newark | L+M Development Partners | New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency | University Hospital
The 20 Littleton Avenue project, situated in Newark’s Fairmount neighborhood, is a model for collaboration between healthcare institutions and housing developers to address critical social needs. This mixed-use development provides 78 affordable rental apartments, including units specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness, alongside a ground-floor clinic operated by University Hospital. The project exemplifies the success of public-private partnerships, bringing together housing, healthcare, and support services in a seamless integration to serve the community.
Developed through the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency’s (NJHMFA) Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program, 20 Littleton Avenue represents the idea that “housing is healthcare”, and features ground floor health care services available to building residents as well as the broader neighborhood. The project aligns with Newark’s larger efforts to end chronic homelessness and reduce emergency room visits by providing vulnerable populations with stable housing and on-site medical care. By addressing social determinants of health, such as housing instability and lack of access to healthcare, this development offers a comprehensive solution that not only shelters individuals but also helps them thrive.
The project’s development was shaped by community engagement from the outset. Input from neighborhood residents and stakeholders led to key design adjustments that improved the project’s integration into the Fairmount neighborhood. The addition of ground-floor clinic and hospital office space and adjacency to local transit links ensures that 20 Littleton Avenue is both a residential and community asset. Located in close proximity to University Hospital, the development strengthens local and regional connectivity, making it easier for residents to access medical services and employment opportunities.
The 20 Littleton Avenue project is more than just affordable housing; it serves as a catalyst for community revitalization. By focusing on both housing and healthcare, the development addresses the intertwined issues of homelessness and frequent emergency room visits, which are critical concerns for Newark. In doing so, it not only provides stability for vulnerable populations but also strengthens the neighborhood by fostering a sense of belonging and dignity for residents.
New Jersey Future is proud to honor the 20 Littleton Avenue project with a 2024 Smart Growth Award, recognizing its innovative approach to community development, its collaborative funding model, and its impact on both housing and healthcare in Newark. This project sets a powerful example for other municipalities and institutions across the state, demonstrating that transformative, community-centered solutions are possible through strategic partnerships and bold vision.
