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NEWARK, N.J. — Locally based mortgage banking and advisory firm Progress Capital has placed a $54.5 million construction loan for an educational project in Newark. The borrower, an entity doing business as 155 Jefferson LLC, plans to redevelop the site of the former St. James Hospital, which has been vacant for 15 years, into a 179,100-square-foot specialized higher learning center. Specifically, the new facility will support students studying architecture, computer-aided design and construction technology, as well as students who have opted for traditional trade programs. Completion is slated for July 2023. David May and Evan Boles of Progress Capital arranged the financing. The direct lender was not disclosed.