In a major push to draw young professionals to live and play in Newark's downtown, a homegrown developer is bringing a 19-story luxury tower, complete with a rooftop pool and yoga studio.

And don't forget the shuffleboard, ping-pong tables and covered dog run.

"This is somewhat unique, and if not totally unique. At least it's the first one that I know to put all this together under a single roof," said developer Anthony V. Bastardi, managing partner of Strategic Development Partners.

Bastardi, who was born and raised in Newark, said he wanted to restore some of the energy to the vibrant city he remembers as a kid.

"We want to bring some of that energy back and we think a good way to do it is to create a place where young people want to live," he said. Bastardi, 73, graduated from Lafayette Street School and St. Benedicts' Prep, both blocks away from where the new tower will stand on the corner of Halsey and Williams streets.

The tower, named Vibe, is expected to break ground early next year. The project secured approvals from the local planning board and the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission earlier this month.

Vibe is expected to be completed by summer 2020 with demolition of the old buildings on site beginning early next year. The old buildings on Halsey and Williams streets sat vacant for a decade and most recently housed an auto-parts businesses, according to a press release.

The famed Key Club and Je's Restaurant were also housed on the site. Bastardi said he plans to honor historic Newark by displaying artwork reflecting old photographs of the city along the parking lot facade. The Terracotta tiles from one of the buildings will also be preserved.

Of the 256 units, 60 percent will be one bedrooms, 20 percent two-bedrooms and 20 percent studios. Bastardi said he would like to include some low- and moderate-income units but the company is still finalizing tax abatements and other subsidies from the city and state to see what is feasible.

Since the project did not require any variances from the planning board or zoning board of adjustment, the developer is not required to set aside 20 percent of income-restricted units as mandated under the city's new inclusionary zoning law.

The $80 million investment will feature two restaurants, a 156-car parking garage, and Amazon's Alexa (voice assistant) outfitted in every unit. Residents will open their apartments, place work orders or control the temperatures in their units through an app on their phone.

There will also be a whirlpool spa, gym and fitness center, indoor and outdoor yoga and Pilates studios, billiards and foosball.

"It's young, it's millennial and it's wired and technology rich," Bastardi said.

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.