Rutgers–Camden Topping-Off Ceremony Highlights $60M Investment in Campus and Camden Community
Camden, NJ – April 28, 2026: Rutgers University–Camden marked a milestone in its Cooper Street Gateway Project today by placing the final steel beam during a ceremony with university leaders, elected officials, and community partners.
The $60 million project is revitalizing historic properties along Cooper and Lawrence Streets, creating a 25,000-square-foot hub for learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
“Today, we pause to celebrate steel and structure—but what we are truly marking is transformation in the learning experience for members of our campus community,” said Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis. “A topping-off ceremony is a moment of promise. It signals that an idea once imagined is now rising into reality.”
The Cooper Street Gateway involves both renovated historic buildings and new construction that will house modern academic spaces, space for visiting professors, and shared gathering areas including a new outdoor courtyard area. Once completed, the facility will enhance collaboration and educational outcomes while preserving the architectural integrity of Camden’s historic district.
“This Gateway stands not only as an entrance to Rutgers–Camden, but also as a visible investment in the city of Camden itself—its people, its potential, and its future,” Tillis added.
New Jersey Assemblyman Bill Moen emphasized the project's broader impact on both the university and the surrounding community.
“This space will be more than just an academic building,” Moen said. “It will bring together students, faculty, staff, and community members and serve not just Rutgers–Camden, but the entire city and region. When you look at what’s happening here, brick by brick and beam by beam, this is about investing in the next generation and delivering real progress for Camden.”
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen highlighted the project as part of the city’s ongoing transformation and partnership with the university.
“This project reflects vision and commitment, not just for Rutgers–Camden, but for our entire community, Carstarphen said. “It’s about creating spaces where students, residents, and faculty can thrive, connect, and build lasting memories.”
The Cooper Street Gateway will open in 2027, strengthening Rutgers–Camden’s role as an anchor institution and a catalyst for opportunity in the region.
About Rutgers University–Camden
Rutgers University–Camden is a hub of academic excellence and innovation, consistently ranked among the nation’s top public colleges and universities. Proudly recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, the university is located in the “eds and meds” district of Camden, NJ—a city known for its cultural and historic attractions, vibrant arts community, renowned healthcare institutions, and headquarters of internationally recognized corporations. The campus offers a welcoming and engaging learning environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Just minutes from Center City Philadelphia—home to a thriving business district and a dynamic cultural scene—the campus also benefits from an array of transportation options for easy access in and around the city.
Home to approximately 6,000 students and more than 1,500 faculty and staff, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community where students enjoy the resources of a world-class research institution. Motivated scholars collaborate with world-renowned faculty, creating an environment defined by discovery and support.
As one of four chancellor-led units in the Rutgers University system, Rutgers–Camden is celebrated as a national model for civically engaged urban universities, earning the prestigious Community Engagement status from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. With its classification as an R2 research university, the campus contributes groundbreaking scholarship and creative output on a global scale.
Ranked among Washington Monthly’s "25 Best-in-Class Colleges", Rutgers University–Camden offers an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and personal achievement, empowering students to reach their highest potential.
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