Performing Arts Venue Planned For 1839 Historic Mercer Church Rehabilitation Program

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - An 1839 historic church structure in Trenton has received a tax credit award of $12 million from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board under the Historic Property Reinvestment Program (HPRP).

The Steeple Center Rehabilitation Project, developed by 120 East State, will bring a performing arts venue and events center to Trenton.

Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the NJEDA said revitalizing vacant or underused properties would strengthen communities, generate employment, and boost economic development in commercial centers.

“With this HPRP award, the Steeple Center Rehabilitation Project will preserve the historic church for future generations, bolster the community’s cultural arts sector, and act as a driving force for ongoing revitalization in the Trenton area,” Sullivan said.

The project consists of a complete rehabilitation of the 1839 church structure and associated addition, which was built in 1950.

Once completed, the venue will have a seating capacity of nearly 300 and provide both free and fee-based community gathering and programming spaces, as well as a lobby and visitor center with a café, gift shop, restrooms, administrative offices, and waiting areas.

“This investment is a major win for Trenton’s cultural and economic future. Restoring this historic church not only preserves an iconic piece of our city’s architectural legacy, but also breathes new life into our downtown by creating a vibrant space for arts, events, and community gatherings,” Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said.

The venue will also have space for catering, arts performances, conferences, and other events. project will also be fully American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

Molly Dykstra, Acting Executive Director of 120 East State said the grant would transform the center which would then transform Trenton. “We believe great things are ahead for our city, and we look forward to playing a vital part in a making that future happen,” Dykstra said.

The HPRP’s focus is historic preservation as a component of community development, aiming to attract long-term private investment into New Jersey while preserving properties that have historic value.

The revitalization of historic structures will help to bring these often-underutilized properties back to productive use, thereby reducing the need for new development at these locations.

Created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), the HPRP is designed to work in conjunction with the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program and is subject to an annual program cap of $50 million, with annual unused amounts included in the amounts available for approval in the subsequent year.

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