Shaquille O'Neal is Back in Newark Attending 'Topping Off' Ceremony

Shaquille O’Neal is Back in Newark Attending ‘Topping Off’ Ceremony For 33-Story Apartment Tower he’s Developing

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is known for his philanthropy and he has come through in a major way for his hometown of Newark, NJ.

According to NJ.com, an apartment tower that is being constructed in Newark is nearing completion. The 33-story apartment building is being developed by the TNT sportscaster.

O’Neal was in Newark for a “topping off” ceremony that took place in a tent at the base of the building on Monday afternoon. Attending the ceremony was also Gov. Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, brothers Wasseem and Sam Boraie, and their father, Omar, who are O’Neal’s longtime development partners.

Topping off a 33-story apartment tower, Shaq and his latest project loom large over Newark.https://t.co/rCK791wdr7

— City of Newark (@CityofNewarkNJ) June 14, 2022

“People always say I never forget where I came from,” said O’Neal, who grew up in Newark’s Central Ward. “I’m not allowed because my mother has a sister, and her name is belt! And on the inside of the belt it says, ‘I’ll whip your ass.’”

The development being built is named 777 McCarter where it’s located on McCarter Highway near Newark Penn Station. The building will incorporate 370 studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, where 20% of the units will be set aside as affordable units, which is mandated by the city. These units will be placed aside for families who are earning up to 50% of the median income in the region.

The rest of the remaining units will be rented at market rate, which is estimated to be $2,000 to $3,000 a month depending on the number of bedrooms, said Wasseem Boraie.

Three years ago, O’Neal and Boraie Development built an $80 million luxury apartment building, at 22 stories. The building is steps away from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the renovated Hahne & Co. building that includes a Whole Foods and a restaurant by celebrity chef and Red Rooster Harlem owner Marcus Samuelsson.

Shaquille O’Neal is Back in Newark Attending ‘Topping Off’ Ceremony For 33-Story Apartment Tower he’s Developing