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The basics:

• NJEDA awards Trenton $7M through the Urban Investment Fund
• $3.5M will restore the historic Roebling Machine Shop
• $3.5M will renovate the Eagle Tavern for commercial use
• Grant aims to boost foot traffic, economic vitality post-COVID

At a June 6 press conference in Trenton, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced a $7 million award for the city through the Urban Investment Fund (UIF) Grant Program.

The program aims to provide grants to municipalities to respond to decreased foot traffic and revenue due to the pandemic. The UIF awards help cities enhance vitality. Funding was provided through the American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. In March, the NJEDA awarded two grants through the program to support projects in Paterson and Passaic.

Key details about the Trenton awards include:

• Will support two building rehabilitation projects along South Broad Street in the North Ward
• City of Trenton will use $3.5 million to rehabilitate the Roebling Machine Shop
• Remaining $3.5 million will go toward renovations at Eagle Tavern. The city will partner with the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) to return the historic building to commercial use. Updates include remediating the commercial kitchen, improving access between floors, upgrading the HVAC system and more

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and other city officials joined NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan for the announcement at the Roebling Machine Shop.

Sullivan noted that the Murphy administration and the NJEDA remain focused on catalyzing economic growth in communities most impacted by the pandemic through strategic investments that create jobs, support small businesses, as well as uplift downtowns and main streets.

“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,” said Sullivan.

Turning point

Gusciora said that this “transformative” grant marks an important moment in Trenton’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

“Reviving the Roebling Machine Shop and the Eagle Tavern is more than just important buildings; it’s about creating opportunities, restoring pride, and building a stronger future for residents and businesses,” said Gusciora. “We’re incredibly grateful to Gov. Murphy’s administration for this investment. Together, we’re making real progress towards an even greater Capital City.”

“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.

In a press release, Gov. Phil Murphy said that the pandemic created economic challenges across the state – particularly for small businesses and local entrepreneurs – that resulted in decreased revenue along key commercial corridors.

“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,” said Murphy.

Sen. Shirley Turner, D-15th District, who represents Trenton, said this investment is a declaration that Trenton’s future matters. She noted the city’s communities have remained resilient despite facing decades of economic hardship – compounded by the effects of the pandemic.

“These rehabilitation projects represent a bold step forward in restoring pride, purpose, and prosperity to South Broad Street,” said Turner. “They honor Trenton’s history while laying the foundation for inclusive growth and lasting opportunity. Trenton deserves nothing less than full revitalization – and this investment is a powerful step toward that promise.”