First Phase of Newark Symphony Hall Renovation Is Complete

Rendering Courtesy Clarke Caton Hintz

Newark Symphony Hall, New Jersey’s largest Black-led arts and entertainment venue, marked the completion of the first phase of its $75-million renovation Aug 1.

Trenton, N.J.-based Clarke Caton Hintz, the project’s design and architecture lead, managed the first phase for the Newark, N.J.-based venue's 15,000-sq-ft Terrace Ballroom, inspired by the 1920s jazz era.

Renovations include replacing hardwood flooring, updating a sunken dance floor and elevated stage with color-changing LED lights and adding two terraces on each side. The hall has secured an additional $4 million in funding in New Jersey's 2024 budget, with state funding over the past three years totaling $15 million. Renovations are set to complete by 2025.

Johanna Knapschaefer, ENR’s New England Special Correspondent, has been writing about trends in design and construction of buildings, bridges, tunnels and other infrastructure for more than a decade. She also profiles award-winning industry leaders and delves into broader construction issues such as workforce training, worker safety and health, climate change remediation and emerging offshore wind and tidal energy developments. Over the past two decades, her articles have appeared in Architectural Record, BusinessWeek, the Boston Globe, American Banker, Modern Metals, BusinessNH Magazine, Pittsburgh Magazine and many other publications. Johanna is fluent in Japanese, and taught English and academic writing in the Science and Engineering Department of Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, while living in Japan for eight years.

When not writing, Johanna enjoys mountain climbing, singing and playing her Spanish guitar.