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'Shaq Towers' takes big step toward opening in Newark


Shaq tower
Dignitaries including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Shaquille O'Neal celebrate the topping-off of One Rector Street.

The first market-rate high-rise housing project in Newark in more than 50 years will have 21 stories, 169 rental units totaling 184,000 square feet, 20,000 square feet of rental space … and two names.

The project, built along the river in the heart of downtown Newark at 37-39 Rector St., is formally called One Rector Street.

But everyone in attendance at the topping off ceremony Tuesday afternoon simply called it “Shaq Towers.”

The project is the latest in Newark by Boraie Development and former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal. And the ceremony brought out a host of dignitaries, including O’Neal, Gov. Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and developers Wasseem and Omar Boraie.

Wasseem Boraie called it a great day for the city and a modern example of why public and private entities must work together to make progress in urban centers.