Nationwide — Adenah Bayoh, a successful entrepreneur and real estate developer, has not only built a thriving portfolio but also owns multiple IHOP restaurants. Fleeing war-torn Liberia as a child, Bayoh’s resilience and determination have led her to become a leading figure in business, and now, she’s set to make history as the first Black woman to develop a major affordable housing project in New Jersey.At 46, Bayoh is known for her entrepreneurial spirit, having expanded her ventures into the restaurant industry with seven locations, including four IHOPs, making her one of the largest employers in Irvington. Now, according to Gothamist, she’s turning her focus back to real estate with a groundbreaking affordable housing project on Newark’s South Side, where she grew up. The five-story building, set to open next year, will feature 40 units specifically priced for low- and moderate-income families. Five of those units will also be dedicated to providing transitional housing for families recently experiencing homelessness.
Beyond just housing, Bayoh’s project aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents. Each unit will come with free Wi-Fi, and every family will receive a computer when they move in. Additionally, children living in the building will have access to free on-site after-school tutoring, made possible through partnerships with local organizations like the Newark YMCA. Bayoh’s approach to development is holistic, focusing on providing long-term solutions rather than simply occupying space.
“I’m not interested in building anything that isn’t impactful,” Bayoh said. “My goal is to build developments that address generational issues and help solve the problems communities face.” Her latest project aligns with New Jersey’s broader affordable housing initiative, which aims to meet the growing demand for low-priced apartments. The state currently faces a shortage of over 200,000 affordable units, prompting new legislation and development efforts.
Bayoh’s journey in real estate began in 2001 when she purchased her first income-generating property in Irvington. Despite setbacks during the 2008 financial crisis, including multiple foreclosures, she persevered, negotiating with banks and holding onto some properties. This resilience laid the groundwork for her future successes, not only in real estate but also in her expansion into the restaurant industry.
Her contributions to Irvington go beyond business success. Mayor Tony Vauss called her “an inspiration to every young girl who comes from humble beginnings,” acknowledging the impact she has had on the community. In 2010, Bayoh returned to real estate in a big way by redeveloping the old Irvington General Hospital into nearly 300 units of affordable housing, a project that exemplified her commitment to providing solutions for underserved communities.
Bayoh’s latest development, backed by highly competitive tax credits, is just the beginning. She is already planning her next project, another affordable housing building directly across the street. When both developments are complete, they will provide 103 new affordable units, reinforcing her dedication to making a lasting impact in Newark and beyond.