Taylor Vose

The development of the Taylor/Vose building repositions a long-underutilized site in the heart of downtown South Orange into a vibrant, transit-oriented mixed-use community destination. Located just steps from NJ Transit, the five-story project brings together housing, affordable units, co-retail, and community-driven programming to support a more walkable, human-scaled downtown.

The project delivers 110 residential units, including affordable housing, above a ground-floor makerspace and retail incubator managed by a community nonprofit. Designed to offer below-market opportunities for local makers, artists, and small businesses, the building reinforces South Orange’s commitment to local entrepreneurship, inclusive growth, and active street life.

Community engagement played a central role throughout the design process, shaping a project that balances density with pedestrian connectivity and thoughtful urban design. The redevelopment preserves the village scale while increasing access, activity, and vitality within the downtown core.

The Taylor/Vose Building demonstrates how adaptive reuse, transit-oriented development, and community-focused programming can work together to deliver meaningful public benefit. Recognized with a 2022 Smart Growth Award, the project stands as a model for equitable, design-driven redevelopment in New Jersey’s downtown communities.