The historic Roebling complex in Trenton is getting a new tenant.

Taft Communications announced April 26 it signed a 4,794-square-foot lease to move to the Chambersburg neighborhood property located at 35 Clark St.

According to the purpose-focused communications consultancy, the move will have approximately 20 employees occupy a newly renovated space.

“Relocating to New Jersey’s state capital, into a beautiful building with a rich history, is an exciting next step for Taft,” said Taft CEO Ted Deutsch in a statement. “Our firm’s work is centered around purpose and social impact, so it is a natural extension of who we are to be in a place where our team can be part of Trenton’s economic revitalization.”

Initially established in Princeton in the 1980s, Taft has been based in Lawrenceville for the past 11 years. The company expects to move into the new space in the fourth quarter of 2023. It will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Roebling Center this fall with a ribbon cutting.

Taft will occupy space in Building 110, the former carpentry shop for the John A. Roebling’s Sons Co. Trenton wireworks. That company commenced operations at the location in 1848, with its spun cables shipped worldwide and used in visible projects, such as the steel cables to support the Brooklyn and Golden Gate bridges, Otis elevators, aircraft like Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and submarine netting during World War II. In 1952, the site was acquired by Colorado Fuel & Iron Corp. Operations continued until its closing in 1974, with some buildings at the site functioning as warehouses through the late 1990s.

After sitting vacant for 25 years, the building – situated in an Urban Enterprise Zone – was repurposed in 2021 to a modern, transit-oriented office building.

According to the Roebling Center website, upon completion the complex will feature: 107,000 square feet of office space, 228 residential lofts, 28,600 square feet of restaurant and retail amenities, and more than 560 parking spaces.

Hx2 Development LLC is developing the project; Clarke Caton Hintz provides architecture, planning, urban design and landscape architecture services; and JLL serves as exclusive office broker for the property.

“Hx2 Development is thrilled to welcome Taft Communications to Building 110,” said Principal David Henderson in a prepared statement. “Taft, a purposeful company with a long history of success, is moving to Roebling Center and Trenton because the core attributes of the site and the city, authentic creative sustainable workspace in a diverse community, align perfectly with their core values. Taft is a perfect addition to this diverse, vibrant, and growing community.”

According to Taft, the new office will include a dedicated communal space to foster collaboration in addition to private offices for independent work. The company says it is also open to other mission-driven organizations looking to co-share opportunities within its new digs.

Making the case

Taft Communications isn’t the only company bullish on Trenton. Read why TerraCycle CEO Tom Szaky thinks everyone should locate their businesses in the state’s capital here.

In addition to accommodating how people function within the office, the move allows Taft to meet the changing needs of the workforce by situating itself in an area with access to public transportation – the River Line Light Rail is steps away while the Trenton Transit Center is also nearby – and roadways including Routes 129 and 1.

“We are excited Taft Communications has decided to celebrate its 40th year in business by moving to Trenton,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora in a statement. “The city is thrilled to see purpose-focused companies like Taft and Princeton Hydro choose the Roebling site and continue to build on Trenton’s positive momentum.”

Taft is the second tenant to sign on at Roebling’s Building 110. The first is Princeton Hydro, a water resources engineering and natural resources management firm.

“Taft Communications’ relocation to Trenton is reflective of how modern firms view historically significant buildings and how well these former industrial buildings can adapt to meet new uses,” said George Sowa, CEO of Greater Trenton. “We are very excited to welcome Taft to our capital city and have them and others participate in Trenton’s renaissance.”