plans have been unveiled for the largest timber office building in the united states. the commercial office building, designed by michael green architecture (MGA), will anchor ‘riverfront square,’ a transformative 11.8-acre mixed-use development proposed for downtown newark, new jersey. the building encompasses up to 500,000 square feet of class A office space designed to enhance tenant wellness and environmental sustainability.

michael green timber office building newark
all images courtesy of michael green architecture / lotus equity group

 

 

the building will be located steps from NJ transit’s broad street station — accessible from midtown manhattan in 18 minutes — and complements the future riverfront park designed by james corner field operations. ‘to build the nation’s largest timber building in newark speaks to the confidence and belief we have in the city and riverfront square as a world-class location that can compete with any great city around the world,’ says ben korman, CEO and founder of lotus equity group, the development firm behind the project.

michael green timber office building newark
the commercial office building will anchor an 11.8-acre mixed-use development

 

 

timber buildings offer a variety of environmental advantages. trees absorb and hold carbon until they decompose or are burned, while the manufacture of concrete and steel accounts for an estimated 10 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions. ‘the vision we share with michael green is to design the most environmentally sustainable office tower that enhances the health of tenants and the surrounding communities through efficient planning and green design,’ continues korman.

michael green timber office building newark
the building will encompass up to 500,000 square feet of class A office space

 

 

‘this project represents an opportunity for MGA, in collaboration with lotus equity group, to lay the foundation for the future of riverfront square and the city of newark more broadly,’ explains michael green, founder and principal of michael green architecture. ‘good buildings are good neighbors and we envision a sustainable, efficient and architecturally-stunning future for newark.’ in total, four architecture firms will lead the development of riverfront square, including TEN arquitectos, practice for architecture and urbanism, minno & wasko architects and planners, and michael green architecture.

michael green timber office building newark
the project is designed to enhance tenant wellness and environmental sustainability

michael green timber office building newark
the scheme is the largest timber office building in the united states