Gateway Center (Newark)

The Gateway Center is a commercial complex in Newark, New Jersey. Located downtown just west of Newark Penn Station between Raymond Boulevard and Market Street, skyways and pedestrian malls interconnect all of the office towers, a Hilton Hotel, the train station, and the Newark Legal Center. Built in phases in the late 20th century the complex comprises some of the tallest buildings in the city, two designed by Victor Gruen Associates and two by Grad Associates.HistoryThe Gateway Center was conceived as part of the "New Newark". Built in urban renewal area that was considered blighted it was an early attempt to restore the reputation and rejuvenate business in Newark which had experienced severe urban decay in the previous decade. Prudential Insurance originally committed $18 million of long-term financing. The first phase included Gateway One, a concourse and shopping mall, and the Downtowner Motor Inn. The second phase, Gateway Two, was offices of Western Electric Company. The complex was self-contained, allowing tenants and visitors to remain within the interior. A pedestrian mall one level above the street connected all parts of the complex connected to Penn Station by a glass-enclosed skywalk that extended over Raymond Plaza. Another skywalk extended across McCarter Highway to connect Gateway One and Gateway Two. The skywalks were intended to separate vehicular and pedestrian traffic and provided safety and security to wary commuters. These were completed by 1972. Gateway Three and Gateway Four were completed in 1985 and 1988, respectively. Original plans called for a Gateway Five and a Gateway Six, but are unbuilt, the available land leased as parking areas near the Prudential Center and planned Triangle Park.