If you’ve ever had to deliver a major building project, you know “on-time and under budget” isn’t something you can always count on from a general contractor.
But with The Ballantine, March Construction delivered exactly what was needed—on time and under budget. That’s the kind of partnership that makes a real difference.
“Thanks to the March Construction Team, the project was actually on time and under budget, something I’ve never been able to say before.” – Larry Davis, CEO of Shorewood Real Estate Group
A Modern Vision Built on Historic Foundations
The Ballantine, located at 80 Freeman Street, rises on the site of the historic Ballantine Brewery. Established in 1840, the brewery was a cornerstone of Newark’s industrial heritage until its closure in 1972.
Today, the property has been reimagined as a six-story residential community that honors its past while looking boldly to the future.
Here’s what makes The Ballantine stand out:
- 280 Units: Studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments
- Modern Amenities: A fitness center, yoga studio, game room with a multisport simulator, coworking spaces, and a rooftop courtyard with city views
- Convenience: On-site parking for 125 vehicles and 2,600+ square feet of retail space
The Ballantine also weaves its history into the fabric of the community with curated artwork that celebrates the brewery’s legacy.
Through a partnership with Pabst Blue Ribbon, the iconic Ballantine name lives on, connecting this modern development to its storied past.
Team Collaboration at Its Best
Every successful project is built on strong collaboration, and The Ballantine is no exception. This $88 million development was brought to life by Shorewood Real Estate Group and Bridge Investment Group, with March Construction as the construction manager.
We’re proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of:
- Our March Construction team: Alan Wolenter, Swapnali Khade, Bill Hemstead, and Benny Turano
- Our subcontractors, who worked tirelessly to meet every challenge
- Architects and planners from Minno & Wasko, and landscape architects Melillo Bauer Carman
- Newark city officials, whose partnership made this vision a reality
This project represents a shared commitment to Newark’s growth and the revitalization of the Ironbound district, aligning with the city’s goals for equitable development by integrating affordable housing with market-rate options.
Shaping Newark’s Future
As tenants begin moving in this March, The Ballantine marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Newark’s Ironbound. With its vibrant cultural and culinary scene, this neighborhood is already one of the city’s most dynamic areas. The Ballantine adds to that energy, offering a blend of modern living and historic character that’s hard to find elsewhere.
And the journey doesn’t end here. Plans for Phase Two are already in motion, bringing an additional 400 apartments and a 50,000-square-foot grocery store to the area. As East Ward Councilman Michael Silva said, this project has opened doors for further investment in the neighborhood, inspiring confidence in Newark’s future.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build the future, one project at a time!
