17 Jun ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO DEDICATES MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. JUSTICE BUILDING AND 22-FOOT STATUE OF CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER
Published on June 17, 2021
Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. officially dedicated the Essex County Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building and a new 22-foot statue of the Civil Rights leader on Thursday, June 17th. Designed as a living monument to the Civil Rights icon, the 150,000-square-foot building houses 11 new courtrooms for the Superior Court, Essex Vicinage as well as new workspace for several Essex County Constitutional Offices.
“When the courts approached me to create additional space for courtrooms, I saw this as an opportunity to address some of the needs expressed by some of our Constitutional Officers. We also are able to provide modern office conditions that will enhance operations for our employees and create a more welcoming atmosphere for our clients,” DiVincenzo said. “The Hall of Records can be a confusing place to navigate for those who don’t come here often. This building has a simple and user-friendly design that will make finding our offices more easily,” he added.
“It was fitting to name the building after Dr. King because the facility is located next to the original plaza and statue that we dedicated to honor Dr. King in 2015,” the County Executive said. “More than half a century after his death, Dr. King continues to inspire generations of people to get involved in public service and their communities. His dream of justice and equality rings just as loud today as it did during his lifetime,” he added.
DiVincenzo also noted that the construction of the building was historic itself. “The pandemic started just as construction got underway. Despite the many challenges to keep workers safe and healthy and overcome supply shortages of construction materials, we were able to finish this building in just 13 months,” the County Executive noted.
Local, County, State and Federal elected officials shared their support for the new building.
Gov. Phil Murphy said it was interesting at how the start and finish of the project “bookended” some significant moments in America’s history. “The building in its name and grandeur is a huge step forward in our pursuit of justice,” he said.
“This building is a testament to what this country can be and demonstrates that we can honor people who have had an impact in our lives,” Congressman Donald Payne said.
“Joe, your actions show character and there is no bigger action than the dedication of this building today,” Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill said.
“Joe has recreated the aesthetics of Essex County and created a building that Dr. King would be proud of,” Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver said.
“People come to court when they are experiencing difficult times in their lives. What all people seek is justice. Throughout the state, we have different kinds of buildings; you just have to look across the street at the Historic Essex County Courthouse,” NJ Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said. “This building sets a great tone that the justice system is here to serve the people,” he added.
“Despite the challenges of COVID, this was completed in just over a year. This building truly symbolizes justice for all,” Commissioner President Wayne Richardson conveyed in remarks that were read by Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners Deborah Davis Ford. “Congratulations on the aesthetics, beauty and tone of this building,” Commissioner Vice President Carlos Pomares said.
“Today we are celebrating the latest vision come to life by Joe D. This building will give people the feeling they are cared about and that justice will be achieved here,” Essex County Prosecutor Ted Stephens said.
“Progress is exemplified by Joe D,” said Sheriff Armando Fontoura who commented that before DiVincenzo was elected County Executive in 2003 coming to the Essex County Government Complex was not looked forward to by the general public.
“This building truly emphasizes justice for all and the person we have to thank is County Executive Joe DiVincenzo. Joe has created a memorial that won’t allow our history to fade way,” Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman LeRoy Jones said.
Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne shared a few stories of when he met Dr. King when the Civil Rights leader visited Newark. “It is our hope that the dream he had for America will come true,” he added.
Welcoming visitors to the King Justice Building is a 14-foot bronze statue of Dr. King standing on an eight-foot-tall granite pedestal. King’s hand is outstretched, and he is holding papers that signify victories in the Civil Rights movement – the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The engraving in the granite base states: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. But I know somehow, that only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars. I have decided to stick with love, hate is too great a burden to bear. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” The statue was created by Jay Warren from Oregon, who also created the original Dr. King Statue for Essex County in 2015. The original 8-foot-tall statue was relocated to other side of the building that faces the Jurors’ Parking Lot.
The four-story glass faced building is located at the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and South Orange Avenue in Newark. Its official address is 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Granite steps rise up from the sidewalk to the front entrance. There also is an entrance accessible from the Jurors’ Parking Lot.
The first-floor lobby is a vibrant monument to the life and legacy of Dr. King. A large mural that occupies one of the walls includes photos of and quotes by Dr. King. There also is a large-screen television which plays a video of Dr. King that was specially created just for this building. The mural and video were created by Terri Haskins of Hackensack. Also on the first floor is a large bronze bust of the late Congressman and Civil Rights advocate John Lewis of Georgia. A close friend of Dr. King, Lewis passed away in July 2020. Warren also created the John Lewis bust.
Occupying the building on the first floor will be the Essex County Clerk’s Office, the Superintendent of Elections/Commissioner of Registration Office and the Board of Elections. Occupying the building on the second floor are the Surrogate’s Office and the Board of Taxation, which includes space for three hearing rooms where tax appeals can be heard. Each office participated in the design of their new workspace, which is larger than what they each had in their previous locations.
A state-of-the-art cafeteria is located on the second floor of the King Building. This cafeteria will service the entire Hall of Records Complex; the current café on the third floor of the Hall of Records will close. A walking bridge connects the second floor of the King Building to the third floor of the Hall of Records, which allows people to move between the buildings without going outside.
The third and fourth floors house 11 courtrooms for Tax Court and General Equity Court. General Equity Court of the Superior Court, Essex Vicinage has four courtrooms on the third floor while the Tax Court of New Jersey has six courtrooms on the fourth floor and one courtroom on the third floor. These courtrooms formerly were located in the Wilentz Justice Complex in Newark.
Comito Associates from Newark was awarded a professional services contract for $2,289,000 to design the Dr. King Building. Dobco Inc. from Wayne was awarded a publicly bid contract for $72,839,500 to construct the building. Joseph Jingoli and Son, Inc. from Lambertville was awarded a publicly bid contract for $1,994,885 to provide construction management and inspection services. The Essex County Department of Public Works also monitored the project to ensure delays were avoided. The project was funded through the Essex County Capital Budget. Construction started in May 2020 and was completed in 13 months.