Paterson Celebrates Groundbreaking of The Great Falls Center’s Next Phase

Based on reporting by Richard L. Smith for RLS Media.

PATERSON, NJ — City officials, including Mayor Andre Sayegh, joined Servant’s Heart Ministry and local leaders to break ground on the next phase of renovations for The Great Falls Center at 39 McBride Avenue Extension — an effort to transform the historic structure into a vibrant hub for education, creativity, and connection.

The Great Falls Center already serves as a cornerstone for community initiatives. It houses Servant’s Heart Ministry’s Workmanship Trades Training & Mentoring Program, which equips residents with valuable vocational skills, along with an event space offering sweeping views of Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. The upcoming phase will preserve the building’s historical charm while introducing modern amenities that make it more accessible and functional.

Since acquiring the building in 2021 through a generous donation, Servant’s Heart Ministry has partnered with Dawn Treader Christian School to raise more than $2 million to renovate the interior. The next phase, with an estimated budget of $6 million, will add a food hall spotlighting local culinary talent, an auditorium, and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Great Falls — fostering economic growth, educational opportunities, and gathering spaces that benefit Paterson and beyond.

Mayor Sayegh highlighted the project’s potential to blend Paterson’s rich history with its vibrant future, while Servant’s Heart Ministry emphasized its vision for the center as a place where residents can find inspiration, training, and a sense of belonging.

This recap is based on reporting by Richard L. Smith for RLS Media, published November 26, 2024.

Get involved: To volunteer, donate, or help build The Great Falls Center, contact Servant’s Heart Ministry or make a donation.