NAIOP NJ 2020 University Challenge

Congratulations to University Challenge Winner Villanova University!

The winner of NAIOP NJ's 2020 University Challenge Case Study Competition is Team Villanova University. The case study site was 24 1/2 Van Houten in Paterson, thanks to our Site Sponsor Levi Kelman of Blue Onyx Companies. Competing for the $5,000 prize were Baruch College (CUNY), Monmouth, Montclair, and Villanova Universities. Team Villanova presented a vision to "make this redevelopment not just a shiny jewel in the middle of blue-collar city, but rather a beacon of light that pioneers the resurgence of this once hallowed American city, one that recognizes the peaks and valleys of its history and welcomes a blending of the past with the future." Central goals of the Paterson Great Falls Redevelopment Plan are to integrate new development and planned park space into the historic fabric of the area, enhance the area’s tourism opportunities, create pedestrian-focused connections, and revitalize Paterson’s historic core. Read the winning entry.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the April 6 Award Dinner was canceled, and judging was held virtually. Team Villanova will be invited to join us at the November 2 President’s Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner, which will include a celebration of NAIOP NJ’s 50th anniversary. The goals of the annual University Challenge are to: educate local officials and students on development challenges; engage municipal and local leaders with NAIOP student members; and provide a fresh, focused and creative design with research value for the owner of the subject property.

Thank you to case study Site Sponsor Levi Kelman, Blue Onyx Companies for sponsoring the competition and donating the Paterson site. Also, many thanks to this year's panel of judges Levi Kelman, Blue Onyx Companies; John Cote, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services; Matthias Hollwich, HWKN; David Nuse, NJEDA; Adam Pasternak, Russo Properties; and Jeff Schotz, Newmark Knight Frank. 

2020 Team Presentations

• Villanova University (Winning Team)
• Baruch College, CUNY
• Monmouth University
• Montclair State University

The goals of the competition are to: educate local officials and students on development challenges; engage municipal and local leaders with NAIOP student members; and provide a fresh, focused and creative design with research value for the owner of the subject property.

Competing for the $5,000 prize are Baruch College (CUNY), Monmouth, Montclair State, and Villanova Universities.