The Monastery

The Greater Newark Housing Partnership (GNHP), a wholly owned subsidiary of HPDC, partnered with Regan Development on The Monastery, an in-place rehabilitation of the former St. Michael's Monastery located at 1901 West Street in Union City, New Jersey. The Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel is a state and national historic place, formally opened in 1869 and completed in 1875. The housing complex was originally financed with 9% tax credits and HOME funds by a prior developer more than 15 years ago, but construction defects and water damage led a joint effort of tenants, housing advocates, and local elected officials to redevelop the property. GNHP was asked to participate because of its reputation for assisting municipalities and residents and its record of working with developers to deliver safe, decent, quality affordable housing. Partnering with Regan Development, the Monastery was re-credited with 4% bonds and awarded HOME and CDBG funds. The units were updated with new kitchens, paint, and flooring, and the common areas and facade were refreshed. The rehabilitation was completed in December 2015.