PATERSON, NJ — One day before the 74th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier, politicians and real estate executives joined at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson to mark the beginning of the restoration of the ballpark, one of just two remaining stadium structures that hosted Negro League baseball games.
Dignitaries at the event included Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, NJ Senator Nellie Pou and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly as well as retired baseball stars CC Sabathia and Harold Reynolds. Also present were BAW Development founder Baye Adofo-Wilson, who serves as majority owner and lead developer of the stadium project, and Joe Portelli, vice president of development at partner RPM Development Group.
For the City of Paterson, the groundbreaking marks the next chapter in the life of the local landmark, which will be fully realized when construction is completed in the fall of 2022. The $94-million mixed-use project is Paterson’s most ambitious large-scale development in many years. The initiative is highlighted by the complete redevelopment and modernization of the historic stadium, which will make the facility ADA compliant and improve the field, restrooms, lighting, scoreboard and seating areas. In addition to the 7,800-seat athletic facility, the project also includes ground-up development of:
• A 12,000 s/f restaurant and event space that will pay homage to the professional and high school athletic exploits at Hinchliffe Stadium, as well as related racial issues
• A six-story, USGBC LEED Platinum-certified affordable senior housing building featuring 75 studio, one- and two-bedroom units
• A 5,200 s/f preschool; and
• A 314-space structured parking garage
“Hinchliffe Stadium is the largest catalytic investment in a generation,” said Mayor Sayegh. “By taking one of our most dormant and underutilized sites with deep historic significance, we are laying the foundation for city-wide reinvestment and opportunity. We are witnessing a one-in-a-lifetime transformation and I’m proud of our public-private partners who have helped usher in this complex project.”
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