New Jersey Performing Arts Center controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Contested landmarks-commission decision concerning Cathedral House
Reference material describes a later Newark landmarks-commission vote approving demolition despite an earlier preservation agreement and a 1993 memorandum of understanding. The decision was characterized as controversial because of alleged financial conflicts of interest and the building’s community significance.
2022
Demolition dispute involving First Landing Party of the Founders of Newark
A historic Gutzon Borglum public-art work associated with Newark was restored to NJPAC grounds in 2016 and later demolished in 2022. Reference material states that the demolition occurred without approval from Newark’s City Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.
2022
Cathedral House preservation controversy
NJPAC proposed demolishing Cathedral House to create a surface parking area for diesel trucks. Community members and preservation advocates objected because of the building’s National Register status, historic-district role, and connections to civil-rights and Black Power activity. The institution subsequently agreed to preserve the structure at that point.