Queen Latifah gets royal treatment at 1 Washington Park.

Newark native and actress, Queen Latifah, is at work on a new movie, and the production company for the film has signed a lease for office space at 1 Washington Park, in Newark's booming North Broad Street District.

The lease signing comes soon after other recent lease announcements from AMO Investments, a New York-based hedge fund, Haynes Security, SEIU local 32BJ and Donald Karp, former vice chairman of Independence Community Bank.

In addition, Rutgers-Newark finalized a deal to purchase the first 11 floors of 1 Washington Park and relocate its business school to the building, signaling another major development in the area around the Broad Street rail station, which has become a new gateway to downtown Newark.

The film, which is titled "The Perfect Christmas," stars Queen Latifah along with Gabrielle Union, Morris Chestnut and Charles Murphy, and has scenes being filmed in Newark and at 1 Washington Park.

"Washington Park is the perfect setting, not only for our office space but also as a set for the film," said Shakim Compere, co-producer on the film. "The building is easily accessible, amenities are first-rate, and the beautiful exterior is worthy of a Hollywood film. To top it off, building ownership has been great to work with, making our occupancy here smooth and easy."

The red brick and reflective glass building sits at the center of Newark's North Broad Street Quad, bounded by the Newark Broad Street Station, Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, Historic James Street and Washington Park. Additionally, the Light Rail extension, which connects the Newark City Subway and Penn Station with Broad Street Station, opened July 17 to add yet another new option to the location's rapidly expanding transportation network.

"Queen Latifah epitomizes the spirit of returning to your roots and giving back to the community," said Marc E. Berson, managing member of Washington Park Fidelco, LLC and Fidelco Group chairman. "Among her many community activities, this year she was honored by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark for her commitment to children, and she also celebrated with the community by holding the premiere of her last feature film in Newark.

"1 Washington Park is proud to have one of Newark's biggest stars and humanitarians on the tenant roster."

Norman B. Baker, principal of Newmark Knight Frank, the exclusive leasing agent for 1 Washington Park, added, "1 Washington Park offers tenants and employees the best combination of building amenities, convenience, price and intangibles available anywhere in the region.

"Leading businesses are making long-term commitments to the building because they understand the dedication of building ownership to improving the North Broad Street area and creating a first-class business environment."

The 17-story office tower is currently undergoing a $20 million renovation. The centerpiece of the renovation is a new two-story, glass-enclosed entrance reorienting the front of the building to the north side and featuring a lobby with high-end finishes. Several tenants have already entered lease commitments at 1 Washington Park, recognizing the inherent advantages of the building in advance of renovations being complete.