The reimagined campus of the N.J. Performing Arts Center, a $336 million project that broke ground in September, was hailed as a transformational step for Newark. It is one that will bring the downtown hundreds of new residences, along with shops, restaurants, new outdoor gathering spaces and a unique education and community center with professional rehearsal spaces.

The efforts in Newark — and Jersey City, which is busy redeveloping the history Loew’s Jersey Theatre as a center point of their arts district — shows the value of the arts in New Jersey.

Both efforts were worthy of our top story of the year. In the end, we selected NJPAC.

Here’s our top five stories:

No. 5: Bruce – Like You’ve Never Heard Him

It was Bruce like we’ve never seen him before. A documentary film, Road Diary, was more than just concert footage, it was Springsteen exploring his own mortality – which he touched upon during an on-stage discussion following its premiere at a film festival in Toronto.

ROI was there; read our report here. 

No. 4. Educational Effort

The Ed Hajim Professional Readiness Program — a career-changing initiative for young artists – will equip student performers with skills and strategies necessary to succeed professionally in performing arts and life.

Read our exclusive interview with Hajim here.

No. 3: New Home, New Leader for N.J. Symphony

A few months after announcing it will make Jersey City its new permanent home, the N.J. Symphony announced that Terry Loftis will be its new CEO.

Read our story about its new home here.

Read our story about Loftis here.

No. 2: Bringing a Historical Theater Back to Life

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and a host of efforts are leading the efforts to refurbish the historic Loew’s Jersey Theatre – a venue that will anchor an arts district in Journal Square.

We got an exclusive sneak peek; read our report (and see some pics) here.

No. 1: Building Block in Brick City

The reimagined 12-acre campus at NJPAC, scheduled to be completed in fall 2027, is about more than just bricks and mortar — or even the new road (an extension of Mulberry Street) that will be part of the area – it’s about reclaiming the soul and spirit of the city.

Read our report here.