Makerhoods Breaks Ground for the Reinvention of Historic Krueger-Scott Mansion and Adjacent New Construction to Launch Transformative, Affordable Work/Live Community Model

“History meets 2020" with micro-entrepreneurial model enabled by investment collaboration among diverse, committed partners.

September 17, 2020 (Newark, New Jersey) – Makerhoods, an innovative approach to urban and economic development, celebrated its groundbreaking today at the historic Krueger-Scott Mansion located at 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Newark.  A powerful catalyst for microentrepreneurs with limited resources, access to capital and networks, Makerhoods combines affordable living, shared spaces for light manufacturing, and business support to help people start and grow profitable businesses that create prosperity, secure their futures and create inter-generational wealth.

By bringing into the connected age the beloved, traditional “living above the store” model that supported families, inspired entrepreneurship, and created sustainable communities for decades, Makerhoods integrates affordable living, the creative explosion of the “maker movement,” business support, and a shared digital platform to catalyze a new paradigm in economic development. 

Aligned with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s initiative for an authentic live-work-play experience within the city, the project will both restore and reinvent the Victorian-era Krueger-Scott Mansion, which is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places, and an adjacent lot for new construction.

Within the mansion, there will be co-working, private offices, and community convening spaces that will be central to sharing the mansion’s history and highlighting local artists.

“It is fitting that this next chapter in the adaptive reuse of historic Newark landmarks is the childhood home of Rev. Louise-Scott Rountree whose family is an important part of Newark’s history and who, herself, is a respected religious, community and civic leader,” said Mayor Baraka. “Makerhoods is an exciting innovation in urban redevelopment that I expect will be widely replicated in Newark and other cities across America.”

The 40-room mansion was built in 1888 at a cost of $250,000 by Gottfried Krueger (1837–1926), founder of Newark's Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company and owner of several other breweries. Following his death, the mansion was sold to the Valley of Newark Scottish Rite Freemasons and a 700-seat auditorium was added to accommodate meetings. In 1958, it was purchased by Louise Scott who operated the Scott College of Beauty Culture out of the first floor, while keeping the upper levels as her private residence. Upon Scott’s death, ownership passed to the City of Newark.

Makerhoods was conceived by business and social entrepreneur Avi Telyas who, after selling multiple businesses, took time off to deeply study the economics and sociology of urban development, economic advancement, and community cohesion. That data-driven process and research led to the birth of Makerhoods. It took more than five years working closely with the City of Newark, potential funders, and local groups to secure the resources to make the transformation of the Krueger-Scott Mansion and Makerhoods possible.

“There is no doubt that we can lift up the lives of individuals, their families, and their communities with the ecosystem that ignites the Makerhoods model” said Avi Telyas, Founder and CEO of Makerhoods. “We are bringing together the role that neglected, historical buildings can play in urban environments with a new model of affordable housing, entrepreneurial support networks, accessible manufacturing, and ecommerce distribution. It seems complicated at first, but it is an intuitive model that has resonated with the City of Newark and the visionary partners who are helping make this a reality.”

Local Initiatives Support Corporation, New Jersey Community Capital, Prudential Financial, Wells Fargo, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and the City of Newark all contributed to advance this milestone in Newark’s entrepreneurial legacy.

Adjacent to the mansion, new construction will include 66 mixed-income 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments (35% affordable), 10 commercial shops, a shared commercial and demonstration kitchen, a greenhouse, and a courtyard event space.

Makerhoods will be accepting applications for 16 Makers to receive an apartment, commercial space, and business support starting at $1,800/month, depending on income and apartment size. Applicant criteria and selection process details will be released in October 2020 with applications to be accepted in Spring 2021.

As well, Makerhoods intends to expand across the nation and is planning its second potential project in Northern New Jersey. The organization has received calls from towns and cities nationwide with inquiries about bringing the model to their region.

Completion of Makerhoods Newark is projected for late 2021. For more information about and to keep up to date with the project, go to makerhoods.com.