Eagle Tavern will be restored as a functioning bar and eatery.
The City of Trenton has been awarded a grant from the Urban Investment Fund (UIF) Grant Program, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced on June 6.
The $7 million award, part of a program operated by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), will support the rehabilitation of two historically significant buildings along South Broad Street in the city’s North Ward: the Roebling Machine Shop and the Eagle Tavern.
NJEDA chief executive officer Tim Sullivan and city officials joined Gusciora for the award announcement, held at the Roebling Machine Shop.
“This transformative $7 million grant through the NJEDA’s Urban Investment Fund marks an important moment in Trenton’s ongoing revitalization efforts,” Gusciora said. “Reviving the Roebling Machine Shop and the Eagle Tavern is more than just improving buildings; it’s about creating opportunities, restoring pride, and building a stronger future for residents and businesses. We’re incredibly grateful to Governor Murphy’s administration for this investment. Together, we’re making real progress towards an even greater capital city.”
“The coronavirus pandemic created economic challenges across New Jersey, particularly for small businesses and local entrepreneurs, resulting in decreased revenue along key commercial corridors,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Through programs like the NJEDA’s Urban Investment Fund, our Administration continues to make historic investments into cities like Trenton, ensuring communities have the funding necessary to promote a strong and equitable economic recovery.”
Half of the grant funding, $3.5 million, will be dedicated to the rehabilitation of the Roebling Machine Shop. Built in 1890 as part of the world-renowned Roebling Steel Company, this architectural landmark is listed on both the State and National Historic Registers.
“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA continues to catalyze economic growth in communities most impacted by the pandemic through strategic investments that create jobs, support small businesses, and uplift our downtowns and main streets,” Sullivan said. “The funding awarded to Trenton through the Urban Investment Fund will support efforts to revitalize the city’s South Broad Street corridor, increasing foot traffic and fostering long-term economic growth.”
Once restored, the Roebling Machine Shop will serve as a large event space to help boost the Clinton Avenue commercial corridor, becoming a centerpiece of Trenton’s cultural and economic revival.
“Today was yet another great day in the Capital City and another example of what collaboration looks like when it comes to enhancing quality of life for our residents,” said Councilwoman At-Large Crystal Feliciano. “Thank you to NJEDA for the $7 million grant allowing us to renovate the Wireworks Building and Eagle Tavern. Thank you also to Mercer County Executive Dan Benson and MCIA Executive Director Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli for your continued partnership in helping revitalize Trenton. Kudos to my Council colleagues on voting to allow this to happen when presented by Mayor Gusciora and his administration.”
The remaining half of the grant will go toward the restoration of the Eagle Tavern, located at 433 South Broad Street. Originally constructed in 1765 by Robert Waln, the building has served the community in various capacities, including as one of Trenton’s most prominent taverns and hotels. Vacant since the 1980s, the Eagle Tavern is also listed on the State and National Historic Registers.
“The Eagle Tavern has long been a priority project, and we are thrilled to partner with the NJEDA and the City of Trenton to bring this historic site back as a functioning bar and eatery,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.
The City of Trenton is partnering with the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) to bring this landmark back to life as a food establishment, once again activating a historic site with a modern purpose.
“Since its inception, the MCIA has had a storied history of being a successful redevelopment partner throughout Mercer County,” said MCIA Executive Director/Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli. “From the Mercer County Courthouse, The Cure Arena, to most recently the Hamilton Municipal Complex, the projects we’ve supported are known to be both transformative and vital to both the communities they’re located in and Mercer County as a whole. I’m proud to see the project follow that legacy, and I look forward to its completion.”
“This $7 million investment is not just about bricks and mortar, it is a declaration that Trenton’s future matters,” said State Senator Shirley K. Turner. “These rehabilitation projects represent a bold step forward in restoring pride, purpose, and prosperity to South Broad Street. ”
