Audible launched The Pillars, a 15,000-square-foot retail and community space, located at 33 Washington Street in Newark’s Arts & Education District. The new hub aims to support local business growth and community engagement.
The grand opening event, held in October, attracted a lively crowd filled with enthusiasm and smiling faces. The ribbon-cutting ceremony in September featured prominent speakers including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Audible CEO Bob Carrigan, and State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz of the 29th District. Owners of three of the four retail establishments in The Pillars also took part.
The renovated ground-floor space is designed to serve as a new anchor for the neighborhood, encouraging visitation and commercial activity to benefit both local businesses and the wider community.
“The Pillars marks Audible’s most ambitious investment yet in Newark’s future — and the largest philanthropic contribution in the company’s history,” said CEO Bob Carrigan.
It is the first major city investment Carrigan has approved in his nearly six-year tenure as CEO, having succeeded Audible founder Don Katz in 2019.
Author’s summary: Audible’s opening of The Pillars in Newark represents its largest philanthropic investment and a strategic effort to boost local commerce and community vitality.