Urban Practice’s Oliver Station Design Honored with 2025 NJ Future Smart Growth Award
Sept 03, 2025, CAMDEN, NJ – Urban Practice, a Camden-based architecture and design firm dedicated to shaping equitable, sustainable communities, is proud to announce that Oliver Station has been named a 2025 Smart Growth Award winner by New Jersey Future. The award recognizes projects across the state that exemplify smart, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
Developed in partnership with The Michaels Organization, Virtua Health, and the City of Camden, Oliver Station is a first-of-its-kind $24 million mixed-use, transit-oriented development that delivers 47 modern, affordable apartment homes for residents aged 55 and older, alongside a 5,200 square-foot primary care clinic operated by Virtua Health. Located directly adjacent to the Ferry Avenue PATCO Station, the transit-oriented development represents a new model for integrating housing, healthcare, and sustainable design in a way that directly benefits the Camden community.
“As designers committed to equity and sustainability, Urban Practice is honored to see Oliver Station come to life and strengthen the city’s revitalization efforts. This building is a model for how architecture can serve people first,” said James Haley, Principal Architect at Urban Practice.
Oliver Station was named in tribute to Reverend Thomas Clement Oliver, a leader of the Underground Railroad, and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, a lifelong advocate for housing and health equity. In both design and intent, the development honors Camden’s history while advancing its future. The project reclaims a previously underutilized site, introducing green infrastructure, enhanced stormwater management, EV charging stations, bike storage, and walkable pathways that promote sustainable and healthy living.
Inside, each apartment offers a modern layout with full kitchens, Energy Star-rated appliances, living and dining areas, and ample storage. Residents also enjoy shared community amenities, including a fitness center, laundry facilities, and gathering spaces designed to foster connection and well-being.
By combining affordable housing with healthcare access under one roof, Oliver Station addresses urgent community needs and strengthens the city’s broader revitalization efforts. With residents already moved in and Virtua’s medical practice preparing to serve patients, the development is fulfilling its promise as a beacon of smart growth, inclusive design, and cross-sector collaboration.
“Oliver Station is the first of its kind in South Jersey, and we grateful to Urban Practice for their outstanding architectural and interior design, that incorporates the best features for both the residents who live there and the patients that the Virtua Health Center will be serving,” said Nick Cangelosi, Michaels Regional Vice President, who served as Oliver’s Stations lead developer.
Since 2002, New Jersey Future’s Smart Growth Awards have celebrated more than 150 projects that strengthen communities and preserve New Jersey’s resources. Oliver Station now joins this distinguished group as an example of how cross-sector collaboration and visionary design can drive meaningful change.
The award will be presented during the Smart Growth Awards showcase on October 9, 2025.
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About Urban Practice
Urban Practice is an architecture and design firm based in Camden, NJ, dedicated to shaping equitable, sustainable spaces that uplift underserved communities. The firm partners with mission-driven organizations to transform visions into impactful, inclusive developments.