NJEDA Board Approves Historic Property Award to Trenton-Based Nonprofit

TRENTON, N.J. (June 11, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved a tax credit award of $12 million to rehabilitate an 1839 historic church structure in Trenton 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.

“Revitalizing vacant or underused properties is a key part of Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to strengthen communities, generate employment, and boost economic development in commercial centers,” said Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the NJEDA. “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.”

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-based 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,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “Thanks to the NJEDA and 120 East State, we’re one step closer to making downtown Trenton a destination for residents and visitors alike.”

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.

“We are grateful to the NJEDA for this essential support of our project– it moves us an extremely important step closer to transforming 120 East State into a center that will in turn help transform downtown Trenton,” said Molly Dykstra, Acting Executive Director of 120 East State. “We believe great things are ahead for our city, and we look forward to playing a vital part in a making that future happen.” 

“Great things are ahead for Downtown Trenton and we’re going to play a vital part in making them happen,” said Cherry Oakley, Board President of 120 East State. “We’re looking forward to Trentonians, their friends and visitors from everywhere having a reimagined historic place to gather and grow.”

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.

Full details on the program are available here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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