The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board recently approved two awards under the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program, paving the way for projects at the Center for Creativity at the Rialto in Westfield and the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.
The CAFE Program helps finance major construction, expansion, and renovation projects at arts and cultural facilities to attract visitors and revitalize downtowns by providing tax credits to build or renovate facilities. Awardees can receive tax credits covering up to 100% of eligible project costs, up to $75 million.
The investments in the Rialto Theater and Paper Mill Playhouse projects, which were collectively approved for up to $68.1 million in tax credits, will expand access to performing arts programming for residents and students, while revitalizing two cultural destinations.
“New Jersey’s arts and culture sector is a powerful economic driver, fueling local businesses, creating good-paying jobs, and strengthening communities across the state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss.
“Through the CAFE Program, the NJEDA is increasing access to major arts and cultural institutions, which helps attract visitors, support regional economies, and ensure that residents from every community can share in the economic and cultural benefits that these organizations provide,” Weiss said.
The Rialto Theater, Westfield
The Rialto Center for Creativity project, which was approved for up to $43.3 million in CAFE Program tax credits, will breathe new life into Westfield’s 1920s-era Rialto Theater and help transform the landmark into a modern cultural hub.
Plans include an adaptive reuse and a gut renovation. The first floor will be renovated to include a flexible performing arts and events space with a 450-person capacity, a lobby and ticketing area, a catering kitchen and cafe, dressing rooms, and a gallery space.
The second floor will encompass four multi-use classrooms to be used for cultural arts education, workshops, and rehearsals, as well as admin space and a gallery. The building will also receive mechanical, geothermal wellfield, and HVAC upgrades, and include an elevator.
The theater is positioned to serve as Westfield’s cultural arts hub, offering diverse programming across the visual and performing arts and generating year-round economic activity. Its operating model includes sliding scale rental fees, scholarships, and discounted ticketing to support broad community access. Additional plans include youth programming and partnerships with organizations serving individuals with cognitive and mobility challenges.
“I am deeply grateful to the NJEDA and the CAFE Program for this transformative investment in Westfield,” said Westfield Mayor Jeremy Berman. “The Rialto is one of our community’s most cherished historic landmarks, and its restoration represents an extraordinary opportunity to honor our past while investing in our future. As a vibrant arts and cultural anchor, the Rialto Center for Creativity will strengthen our downtown, support local economic development, and create a welcoming destination for residents, visitors, artists, and businesses alike.”
Bill Crandall, president of the Rialto Board of Trustees, said the Rialto’s return marks a new chapter for Westfield and the region.
“Thanks to the NJEDA’s generous commitment to the arts, we’re rebuilding more than a theater; we’re creating a home where creativity thrives and people come together,” Crandall said. “Now we invite both individuals and institutions to help us cross the finish line. We are so thankful for and appreciative of the donors who are helping us meet our vision.”
Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn
The Front of House project, approved for up to $24.8 million in CAFE Program tax credits, will reconfigure and expand the entrance and lobby area of the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.
The project will address deficiencies in accessibility, circulation, and building systems, and will also replace outdated and undersized restrooms with modern, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant facilities, upgrade the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and will redesign main entrances and interior walkways to eliminate accessibility barriers. The new two-story lobby will feature box office, concessions and merchandising areas, monumental stairs and elevators, bathrooms, and an enlarged donor lounge.
“The Paper Mill Playhouse is our crown jewel,” said Millburn Mayor Frank Saccomandi. “We’re incredibly lucky to have a theater of this caliber right here in Millburn, and we are thrilled to see the state stepping up to support its future.”
Mike Stotts, executive director of Paper Mill Playhouse, said the organization was grateful to the NJEDA for supporting the renovation project.
“Greater accessibility and a more thoughtful layout of our public spaces are the driving forces of this project, not to mention the upgrades to mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems that are severely outdated and inefficient,” Stotts said.
“Founded in 1938, Paper Mill Playhouse is the largest producing theatre in New Jersey, serving a statewide audience of over 200,000 people annually, including 40,000 students,” Stotts aid. “Paper Mill’s Next Act Campaign is about ensuring that the legacy of this nationally renowned theatre continues for generations.”
