A significant transformation is underway in Camden as construction begins on a $60 million project aimed at revitalizing a blighted area into a vibrant university facility and community hub.
Rutgers University–Camden has initiated the Cooper Street Gateway Project, which will redevelop a stretch that previously housed 14 vacant properties and several empty lots. The finished project will feature a three-story facility behind the original Cooper Street properties, along with a common outdoor space for Rutgers and Camden community members.
The new building will accommodate the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, currently dispersed across two separate locations. Additionally, Lawrence Street homes will be converted into offices and guest accommodations for visiting faculty.
Located along the 400 block of Cooper and Lawrence Streets, this development promises to enhance the local community and university.
“This project represents a substantial investment in the future of our institution, our students, and the people of Camden,” said Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Given that the properties are within Camden’s Cooper Street Historic District, maintaining their historic integrity is a priority. According to a university news release, all new construction will protect the historic buildings and property setting, honoring Rutgers–Camden’s reverence for the rich history of Cooper Street and the City of Camden.
The Cooper Street Gateway Project marks a significant step in both preserving Camden’s heritage and fostering growth and development within the community.
