2002 Crawford Street Partners LLC (CSP), a real estate development and management company, is founded by Steven Burns, Anthony Gibbons and Peter Santos. CSP’s approach is to bring back distressed neighborhoods one at a time by concentration of efforts in a targeted area. The first neighborhood selected for development by CSP is a once great neighborhood in the Lincoln Park area of Newark. An abandoned maufacturing building from the 1880′s is identified as CSP’s first project and is slated for renovation to ten live/work loft spaces.

2003 10 additional loft suites in the Lincoln Park area are successfully completed by CSP for mixed commercial/residential use and are fully rented.

2004 CSP selects and renovates another two Lincoln Park projects. The first is prime commercial space, leased at below market value, to the City Without Walls Gallery, a respected local gallery showcasing Newark artists. The second project adds 5 more units. CSP enhances neighborhood green space with the donation of landscaping, including planting 25 trees and extensive grasses and flower beds along public sidewalks and private gardens.

2005 All CSP units in Lincoln Park are fully leased spurring additional investment, economic development and growth within and around the surrounding areas. The commercial and residential tenants include new businesses to Newark and many residents working in Newark and invested in its success. The Lincoln Park community begins coming together and the area is once again beginning to feel like a neighborhood.

2006 CSP acquires a three story commercial building at 89 James Street which had been abandoned for over 30 years and used as a dumping ground. Twenty 30 yard dumpsters were needed to clear the debris and in the process a small stable was discovered at the rear of the property which was rebuilt and renovated with the main building and converted to 3,600 square feet of live/work space. 89 James Street has been leased since its completion by the nonprofit organization Newark Now.

2007 CSP’s most ambitious year to date. The purchase and renovation begins of the historic Dryden Mansion (13,000 sq. ft.) at 59 Lincoln Park to be used as office space and event center for Foundations and Nonprofit organizations. 17-19 Crawford Street, a property consisting of three building lots and a 17,000sq ft brick stable building constructed in the 1830′s. The Newark Central Planning Board grants CSP a change in use to educational and office use permitting an additional 10,000 sq ft of new space to be added to the structure. CSP purchases and improves two 6 unit buildings in Vailsburg & Clinton Heights for affordable multi-family housing. An Irvington commercial building is acquired and restored by CSP whose tenants are a day care center and after school programs both benefiting neighborhood youth.

2008 Renovation of the Dryden Mansion is completed and the Prudential Foundation moves into the main floor as a tenant as almost all available office space is leased within weeks to other foundations and not-for-profit organizations. The Dryden Mansion is host to numerous high profile events including governor’s press conferece, major fundraisers, board meetings and other celebrations. CSP purchases 482 Washington Street, an 8,500 sq. ft. garage, adjacent to 17-19 Crawford Street Street. This building had become an eye sore and was a detriment to this emerging arts and culture neighborhood.

The historic 10,000 sq. ft. William Kratt Harmonica Factory at 988 Johnson Place in Union is purchased by CSP and renovation begins to 8 loft residential units.

2009 The Newark Educator’s Community Charter School’s 2800 square foot facility at 17-19 Crawford street is completed. The 8 Unit Harmonica factory lofts opens on September 1 to wide acclaim for architecture and construction quality with 50% occupancy on opening day. All Lincoln Park properties are fully occupied and construction continues on the performance & recreation building at 482 Washington Street.