SHIFT Capital (SHIFT) and the Hanini Group today announced the launch of The Mercer, a new 110-unit residential community in the heart of downtown Newark. Now leasing, The Mercer represents one of the city’s most significant office-to-residential conversions—bringing new housing, new energy, and a mission-aligned living experience to a key downtown corridor steps from Newark Penn Station.
Located at 10 Commerce Court, The Mercer blends modern design with community-rooted values, offering residents exceptional access to transit, local amenities, and a building-wide culture of civic engagement.
A First for Newark: The Good Neighbor Program
The Mercer will be the most civically engaged residential building in Newark, driven by its launch of the Good Neighbor Program. This signature initiative rewards residents for volunteering with and contributing to local partner organizations.
Residents who participate in the program receive monthly rental credits tied to volunteer hours, making it easier to live affordably while actively strengthening the surrounding neighborhood. The program connects residents with community initiatives, including neighborhood cleanups, mentoring, supporting small local businesses, and assisting purpose-driven organizations.
Local partners collaborate with residents to identify meaningful service opportunities, and management teams provide ongoing support to ensure the program generates real value for both residents and community organizations.
Mission Aligned Development
Shift Capital, a nationally recognized impact real estate firm, and the Hanini Group, a Newark-based leader in adaptive reuse and historic revitalization, partnered to bring The Mercer to life. Their shared commitment to community-centered development ensures the building contributes meaningfully to Newark’s long-term growth.
“The Mercer embodies what development in Newark should look like—high-quality housing paired with genuine opportunities for residents to be part of the city’s ongoing transformation,” said Samer Hanini, Managing Partner of Hanini Group
“This affirms Shift’s mission to partner with developers like the Hanini group and bring innovative community-oriented projects to the City of Newark. This is an opportunity to continue to build on the City’s responsible growth and support a model that invests back into the community,” added Brian Murray, CEO of Shift Capital.
The project was financed by mission-aligned lenders Capital Impact Partners (CIP), Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), and Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) and New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC). This project created twenty-two units of affordable housing for local residents.
Now Leasing
The Mercer offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments featuring modern finishes, resident amenities, and shared spaces designed for connection and convenience.
About SHIFT Capital
SHIFT is a neighborhood investment group and Certified B Corporation that executes real estate projects and financing strategies focused on creating just and equitable communities for the long-term. The SHIFT Neighborhood Fund focuses on critical investment in underserved neighborhoods in North Philadelphia. SHIFT’s Catalyst Fund supports the next generation of impact developers, with a focus on women and BIPOC developers. Through these platforms, SHIFT has $350mm+ assets under management, $100mm+ equity under management, and has 1,000+ units developed and in the pipeline.
About Hanini Group
Hanini Group is an award-winning real estate development firm based in Newark, New Jersey, with more than 15 years of experience revitalizing urban environments through thoughtful historic preservation, mixed-use redevelopment, and community-focused projects. The firm has delivered over $500 million in development value across marquee assets, including The Link 707, 153 Halsey, Hahne & Co., and the People’s Bank Building in Passaic, blending historic character with modern design and amenities.
Known for activating underutilized buildings into vibrant residential, commercial, and innovation-oriented spaces, Hanini Group’s work supports equitable growth, job creation, and transit-oriented development in Newark and the greater New Jersey region. The firm’s projects have garnered industry recognition and contributed to downtown revitalization through strategic partnerships, public-private collaboration, and sustainable design.
