Studio Lofts, LLC begins construction on new Littleton Avenue Arts Destination in Newark's West Ward

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 10/26/2026

(NEWARK, NJ)-- Studio Lofts, LLC has announced that construction is officially underway at 166–170 Littleton Avenue in Newark's West Ward. The approximately 9,000-square-foot mixed-use property will become the new home for Akwaaba Gallery and significantly expand its ability to present exhibitions, support working artists, welcome collectors and visitors, and create meaningful cultural experiences in the area. The new facility will include approximately 3,000 square feet of gallery and exhibition space, 10 private artist studios and residential apartments.

While navigating the mechanics to reach this major construction benchmark has been extremely challenging, they have made every effort to advance the project forward. The City of Newark has officially certified and signed off on their rough structural framing and mechanical inspections, directing their project to advance immediately into the active insulation phase. With this milestone cleared, they are on a strong trajectory toward completion.

“This project represents so much more than a new building for Akwaaba Gallery,” said Laura Bonas Palmer, Co-Owner and Director of Akwaaba Gallery. “It represents years of perseverance, faith, partnership, and a belief in the power of art to transform lives and communities. We are creating a permanent home where artists can create, collectors and communities can connect, and people from Newark and beyond can experience exceptional art in a space that is welcoming and accessible to all.”

Studio Lofts and Akwaaba Gallery extend their sincere gratitude to the City of Newark and Mayor Ras J. Baraka for fostering an environment where arts, culture, entrepreneurship, and neighborhood investment can thrive. They also extend their deep appreciation to the City of Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment for its thoughtful consideration and unanimous approval of the Littleton Avenue project. Special recognition is extended to West Ward Councilman Dupré L. Kelly, who was an early and steadfast advocate for the project.

Studio Lofts is profoundly grateful to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) for awarding a pre-construction grant that funded approximately half of their pre-construction costs. They are especially thankful to Janelle Johnson for her guidance and support throughout the grant process, which made this project possible.

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Studio Lofts gratefully acknowledges New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC) for providing the financing that made the acquisition of the Littleton Avenue property possible. Their early investment provided the foundation upon which this project could move forward.

“For us, investing in this project is an investment in the future of the arts,” said Palmer. “We believe deeply in what Akwaaba has built and in what is possible here in Newark’s West Ward. We have poured our hearts into the Littleton project to make it a reality in the community we love and call home. We believe artists deserve spaces where they can create, exhibit, grow, and build sustainable careers, and our community deserves to have this cultural institution here.”

The project has also been made possible through the expertise and dedication of our professional team, including 2KI Architecture (project architect), Wells Engineering (mechanical engineering), BADstudio (design and creative), C2EM Urban LLC (structural engineering), and DLM Construction (construction and renovation).

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who believed in this vision,” Palmer added. “Projects like this happen when government, community partners, financial institutions, architects, engineers, contractors, artists, collectors, neighbors, family, and supporters all play a role.”

The Littleton Avenue project builds upon Akwaaba Gallery’s commitment as a commercial fine art gallery dedicated to presenting emerging and established contemporary artists, with a particular focus on artists from diverse and historically underrepresented communities.

Located in Newark’s West Ward, the Littleton Avenue project demonstrates that significant cultural investment and exceptional arts experiences can—and should—exist in every neighborhood.

“This is about building something that lasts,” Palmer said. “We want Akwaaba to become a place where extraordinary art is discovered, artists build sustainable careers, collectors build legacies, and our community feels a genuine sense of pride and ownership.”

Construction and renovation are currently underway. Additional announcements regarding the gallery’s opening, inaugural exhibition, artist studios, and upcoming programming will be released as the project progresses.

Akwaaba Gallery is a Newark-based commercial fine art gallery dedicated to building and maintaining a thriving visual arts community by representing and exhibiting emerging and established contemporary fine artists from diverse and historically underrepresented communities. Rooted in the spirit of “Akwaaba,” meaning “welcome,” the gallery creates an environment where art is accessible, relationships are cultivated, artists are supported, and collectors feel at home.