On Wednesday, October 15, Audible hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of The Pillars, a 15,000-square-foot retail and community hub located at 33 Washington Street in Newark’s Arts and Education District. The event was attended by city officials, local business leaders, community members and press, all celebrating Audible’s most ambitious community investment to date.
The Pillars occupies the ground floor of a modernist building designed by architect Welton Becket.
Tansy, HealHaus, and Pooka Pure & Simple, with its custom perfume blending ‘Bloom Bar’ are the first tenants to open in the hub, offering products and experiences centered on home goods, beauty and holistic wellness. Each business was selected and supported through Audible’s Business Attraction Program, which provides funding, mentorship and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers to entry.
Aisha Glover, Audible’s Global Head of Urban Innovation, said the project began with a vision to reimagine how capital can spur equitable development in Newark.
“I pitched the wild idea for Audible to take over the ground floor of 33 Washington four years ago,” Glover said. “The vision was for us to serve as a catalyst for development in our area. We wanted to attract diverse founders who understood the value of being in a city like Newark, small business owners who understood the city’s rich history and promising future and retailers who could serve the needs of our neighbors, employees, visitors and students. Here we are.”
Glover made a special note that the initiative is unlike typical investments. “Audible’s direct investments are helping us fulfill a commitment to what being a corporate catalyst really means,” she said. “This is not a traditional investment. It’s not a loan. These are philanthropic dollars that renovated an entire 15,000-square-foot ground floor in our global headquarters city.”
Inside, The Pillars features a central courtyard with listening booths where visitors can experience Audible content, alongside three retail spaces—with a fourth coming in 2026—designed to foster collaboration and community engagement.
Audible CEO Bob Carrigan highlighted the project as a milestone. “We’re delighted to bring this space to Newark,” Carrigan said. “Adding to the incredible momentum we’re building as the city continues to emerge as the premier destination for entrepreneurship, culture and creativity.”
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka praised the initiative as a powerful example of public-private partnership fueling the city’s continued growth. “Look at what’s happening here in Newark,” Baraka said. “Look next door, you see all of the development happening. You see that the art institutions—the corporations that have bought into the city of Newark have decided to work collaboratively to lift our city up economically, socially, mentally, spiritually. Right across the street, by the way, from Harriet Tubman Square.”
The Pillars complements a series of Audible-led revitalization projects, including the restoration of the Innovation Cathedral and the reimagining of Harriet Tubman Square. Together, these initiatives outline Audible’s long-term commitment to driving inclusive growth, supporting local businesses and helping Newark continue to thrive as a city of innovation and opportunity.
Michael is the Editor-in-Chief of New Jersey Digest and Creative Director at X Factor Media. A Bergen County native, he discovered his passion for storytelling while studying at Montclair State University. In addition to his work in journalism and media, Michael is an avid fiction writer. Outside the office, he enjoys kayaking, a bold glass of Nebbiolo, and the fine art of over-editing.