The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), the nation's largest state-level employer association, recently presented its New Good Neighbor Award to Verizon-NJ for the renovation of its New Jersey headquarters on Broad Street in Newark.

NJBIA President Philip Kirschner presented the award to Peter Ventimiglia, Verizon's vice president for external affairs, at the 44th Annual New Good Neighbor Awards luncheon, held June 8 at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place in Iselin.

The $50 million renovation of 540 Broad Street brought about a thorough upgrade, inside and out, of this historic landmark in downtown Newark. The 25-story building dates back to 1929, when it served as the original New Jersey Bell Telephone headquarters.

Verizon maintained the building's distinctive Art Deco style of bold outlines and streamlined and rectilinear forms. Outside, sculptures by American artist Edward McCartan depict a lineman, two residential customers, an operator and a repairman.

Inside, bronze doors and lamps, a tricolored terrazzo floor with bronze strips, and lobby walls lined with antique marble were carefully restored. On the upper floors, partitions, corridors ceiling and finishes were removed, and new fixtures were installed, creating a modern office environment while retaining a look consistent with the buildings heritage.

The renovations were more than just cosmetic. Lavatories, door hardware, railings and fire doors were all upgraded. Nearly all of the building's plumbing, wiring and HVAC systems were replaced.

More than 1,400 employees work at the Newark headquarters, providing a tremendous boost to the local economy.

"Verizon's dedication to corporate neighborliness is evident in the company's commitment to expanding its workforce in Newark and the care with which Verizon conducted renovations of one of the State's outstanding historical buildings," said nominator Barbara E. Kauffman, executive vice president of the Regional Business Partnership in Newark.

"The renovation of its New Jersey headquarters is just one of the most recent signs that Verizon is committed to the State of New Jersey."

Renovations were designed by Silverberg Associates, Inc., of Princeton, and Raimondo Contracting Corporation carried out the construction.

The New Good Neighbor Awards are presented annually to new developments or renovations that exhibit architectural excellence, create jobs, and enhance the community. An independent panel of judges selected the winners. In 2004, NJBIA received 31 New Good Neighbor Award nominations representing nearly $600 million worth of construction and creating 5,600 jobs.

NJBIA represents more than 22,000 member companies throughout New Jersey.