New Jersey Performing Arts Centre (NJPAC) and Car Rentals New York

Travel to the heart of downtown Newark, New Jersey with your car rentals New York to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). NJPAC is the 6th largest performing arts center and is home to Grammy Award – winning New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. It also has played a key role in the revitalization efforts for the city in New Jersey. So get ready for a great outing of dramatic arts with your car rentals New York.

Taking a glance at the history of NJPAC

NJPAC was built in 1986, based on the desire of the Governor of New Jersey Thomas Kean at the time to assess the needs of New Jersey’s performing arts organizations. The goal was to build a world class performing arts center. Newark was eventually chosen over other cities due to the density of the surrounding areas and especially its proximity to New York City and highway. Another major reason was the desire to revitalize the troubled city which was familiar to government authorities as a ghetto for minorities and run – down homes. The committee hoped that the NJPAC would draw people back into the area and provide more jobs and income to the local business.

A need for change

The NJPAC building was designed by lead architect Barton Myers. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust was used as a model. The desire for the building was for it to be integrated into the city as opposed to fostering further segregation. Myers used brick, exposed steel, and glass, to reflect the industrial roots of Newark.

The beginning of a brighter future

Construction began in 1995, and the push to bring jobs to the city was immediate. During the bidding process, NJPAC President & CEO Lawrence Goldman made agreements that the majority of the construction jobs would be given to local minorities. When a contractor failed to do so, they were quickly suspended. Not everyone welcomed this new performing arts center. Some critics questioned the use of the funds, totaling $187 million on a building rather than improving welfare programs, existing building upgrades, and other social concerns. However, in 1997, all concerns were dismissed when the NJPAC opened to rave reviews.

Famous faces

You will definitely want to catch a show at the NJPAC when you travel with your car rentals New York. NJPAC has been visited by several famous musicians, singers, dance, and orchestras including Yo Yo Ma, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Dance Theatre of Harlet, Berlin State Opera Orchestra, Nancy Wilson and Ramsey Lewis, the National Song & Dance Company of Mozambique, Sweet Honey in the Rock and so much more! The JPAC has also hosted tours of popular Broadway musicals including The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, The Producers, Bring in ‘da Funk, and The Full Monty.

Looking further

Currently with its success, NJPAC is looking on the development of the new site, Two Center Street. Future plans include expanding across the McCarter Highway to the Passaic River, opening up more of the waterfront and connecting it to Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. Two residential complexes for performers are also in the works to be built that will complete a boat – shaped plaza at the center. On July 17, 2006, the Newark Light Rail service was opened at the NJPAC/Center Street station connecting Newark to rail lines from all over New Jersey, providing a greater opportunity for to visit NJPAC.

Before you go…

For more information on the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre when you travel with your car rentals New York visit their official website at http://www.njpac.org/

Check out the Brooklyn car rental All Car Rent a Car location at 610 Warren St., Brooklyn, NY 11217