A massive new hotel has been proposed for 56 Park Place, between East Park Street and Center Street, in the Military Park Commons Historic District within the city’s East Ward. According to city records, plans call for the new hotel to be 26 stories tall, and for it to contain 353 rooms. 90 parking spaces would be provided on the premises, and there would also be a conference center, two restaurants/bars, and a gym.

The developer, 56 Park Place, LLC, which is registered out of the Howard Johnson hotel in North Bergen, acquired the building for $2.6 million in February, according to NJ Parcels records.

Currently, the property contains a one-story building occupied by law offices and the former Tipsy’s Lounge space. The building facade is slated to remain and be rehabilitated as part of the hotel project. Located across the street from the recently revitalized Military Park and Burg restaurant, the site is situated on the same block as the century-old Best Western Plus Robert Treat Hotel, the city visitors center, the WBGO studios, the New Jersey Historical Society museum, and the upcoming One Theater Square development.

The creation of this hotel comes as Downtown Newark sees a rapid increase in hotel development for the first time in decades. Within the past five years, Courtyard by Marriott and Hotel Indigo have opened locations, and construction is underway for a TRYP by Wyndham hotel around the corner from 56 Park Place. A former office building on Raymond Boulevard will be converted into a Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel.

The developer will present the final designs for the project during the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission’s meeting on Wednesday, June 7th at 6:15pm at City Hall.