While the skylines of other New Jersey cities like New Brunswick and Jersey City feature multiple buildings that were constructed in the 21st century, all of the tallest towers in the state’s largest city date back decades. However, Jersey Digs has learned that a proposed development at the edge of Newark’s downtown could tower over the city, bringing hundreds of residential units in the process.

The project, known as “The Halo,” is being proposed for 289-301 Washington Street, between William Street and Branford Place. The plans, which were designed by Minno & Wasko, call for a high-rise complex with two 40-story buildings connected by a five-story base.

There would be 66 studio apartments, 132 one bedrooms, and 99 two-bedroom units in each building, for a total of 594 in the entire complex. A source who provided information on the condition of anonymity told Jersey Digs that 20 percent of the units at The Halo is expected to be designated as “affordable housing.”

Although the site sits within a half-mile of New Jersey Transit bus and Newark Light Rail service, there would be several levels of valet-style parking, including two underground floors, providing nearly 300 spaces for residents of the complex. In addition, The Halo is expected to include a wide variety of amenities, such as a 2,935-square-foot sky lounge atop each building, a 4,488-square-foot fitness center, club rooms, a game room, and an outdoor pool and courtyard on the 12th floor. A leasing office is also slated to be included within the development.

Located a block away from Teachers Village, 289-301 Washington Street is located farther west than other large recent development proposals in Newark’s central business district. While other projects like the Hahne & Company redevelopment and One Theater Square have brought hundreds of units combined to Downtown Newark, the city has not seen the construction of buildings of this scale in decades. The Halo would be the first one of its kind on the Washington Street corridor and would replace what has long been a privately owned gated parking lot.

The plans have been submitted to the Newark Central Planning Board as an “as of right” application, according to the source, and are expected to be heard in the near future. Should the approvals be granted, construction could begin next year and be completed as soon as the beginning of 2021.