Making Places from Forgotten Spaces

July 23, 2026 | Newark, NJ

Centered around the theme “Making Places from Forgotten Spaces,” this summit will explore how overlooked and underutilized properties can be transformed into vibrant cultural and arts destinations through Creative Placemaking.

Join us for a full day of learning and connection as we dive into the relationship between brownfields and Creative Placemaking, highlight real-world case studies, discuss cleanup considerations, and explore funding opportunities for your brownfield projects!

No matter where you are in your brownfields journey, this summit is an opportunity to learn, connect, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow practitioners, community leaders, and redevelopment partners.

Agenda

Our agenda is currently in development!

As a preview, here are some topics we'll be discussing:

Creative Placemaking and Brownfields

Economic Development and NJ case studies

Consideration for Contamination - Environmental regulations

Funding

Creative Placemaking Workshop

Breaking Brownfield (placemaking edition)

Check back here for the finalized schedule of events.

While you wait, check out our website for more upcoming events, news, and brownfield information!

Location

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Central King Building, Multi-Purpose Room 116

323 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.,

Newark, NJ 07102

Parking

Guest parking can be found at the

Summit Street Parking Deck

154 Summit St.

Newark, NJ 07102

Please note as this is a full day event, there will be a midday break for lunch. At that time, we invite you to take a break in the sun and explore the local cuisine surrounding NJIT.

A list of local places to dine will be added soon!

If you have any further questions, please contact NJIT TAB at fatima.matos@njit.edu.

Brownfield – “a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”

– EPA definition of a brownfield