NEWARK, NJ — A new craft brewery and taproom plans to open in the spring of 2020 at the reborn Walker House at 540 Broad Street in Newark.

Newark Local Beer will be setting up a 6,300 square-foot brewery and event space at Walker House, a landmarked Art Deco masterpiece that formerly housed NJ Bell. Designed by famed architect Ralph Thomas Walker in the 1920s, the 21-story building also houses 264 mixed-income residences. The fledgling enterprise will be located on the ground level, and will include a taproom with a mix of bar seating and communal space. Founders Miller and Steve Hughes plan to have a rotating mix of 10 beers, sourced from local ingredients.

"Newark Local Beer is committed to rebuilding the beer culture that was once an integral part of the city, and we are thrilled to be involved in the ongoing growth in Newark," Miller and Steve Hughes said. "Our goal is to provide unique and flavorful beers while educating consumers about the brewing process." Learn more about this local business.

The new brewery and taproom will be another feather in the cap for the reborn complex, according to a joint statement from developers L+M Development Partners, Prudential Financial and the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group. "Newark Local Beer is going to be a fantastic addition to the neighborhood and will join our growing and exciting tenant roster at historic Walker House," said Jake Pine, director at L+M Development. "We were particularly drawn to Miller and Steve's focus on creating a true community gathering spot."

Joining Newark Local Beer on the ground floor will be a UPS store and Bada Bean Cawfee, a 2,300 square foot mafia movie-themed coffee shop and restaurant. L+M also recently announced that Method Climbing, the first indoor rock-climbing facility in Newark, will open on the ground floor and lower level of Walker House this fall. The 22,000 square foot gym will offer premiere climbing equipment, as well as climbing classes, youth climbing teams and clubs, summer camps, after-school programs and birthday parties.

Walker House is L+M, Prudential and Goldman Sachs UIG's latest Downtown Newark investment in partnership with Citi Community Capital. In 2017, the partnership re-opened the historic Hahne & Co. building blocks away at 609 Broad Street.