By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County officials gathered in Newark on Thursday, April 23, to mark the completion of a nearly $12 million renovation of the county’s historic Parks Administration Building, a project that blends preservation with modern upgrades.
According to a statement released by the county, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. led the dedication ceremony for the building at Essex County Parks Administration Building, located at 115 Clifton Avenue, which has served as the headquarters for the county’s parks system for more than a century.
“The building at 115 Clifton Avenue in Newark has been the epicenter of the administration of and planning for our historic Parks System for more than a century.
After more than a century of service, the building was showing signs of regular wear and tear and needed to be updated to provide staff and visitors with up-to-date working conditions,” DiVincenzo said.
Officials said the renovation included major infrastructure upgrades such as a new roof, doors, and windows, along with improvements to the HVAC, electrical, elevator, and technology systems. Interior changes focused on creating a more user-friendly layout, including a redesigned first floor with a waiting area for the permit division and added museum space.
At the same time, crews worked to preserve key historical elements, particularly on the building’s exterior and within the Director’s Office and Archives Office.
Additional improvements included enhanced exterior lighting, upgrades to the garden and parking areas, and the installation of new signage, wayfinding markers, and landscaping.
The Parks Administration Building first opened in 1916 and has continuously served as the central hub for the Essex County Parks Department. 
Because the site is listed on the state and national historic registers, all renovations were completed in accordance with New Jersey Historic Preservation guidelines.