The diocese acquired 31 Mulberry as part of the property exchange that resulted in the building of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in the late 1990s. Questions about the continued suitability of 31 Mulberry as a diocesan headquarters began during the administration of Bishop Croneberger and continued under Bishop Beckwith. A series of issues with the building were identified and a number of scenarios were discussed, but no action was taken for a variety of reasons, including financial considerations.
The catalyst for movement was NJPAC's announcement of its next phase of development, which made 31 Mulberry very attractive to NJPAC. A very favorable financial offer from NJPAC, combined with the need to spend significant amounts of money to maintain 31 Mulberry – a large, old building that was not practical for the diocese's needs – were some of the reasons the Bishop’s Office and the diocesan Trustees began the following process.
