“We are grateful to the NJEDA and Gov. Murphy for having faith in our vision,” said 120 East State Board President Cherry Oakley. “This major, essential milestone for the project will accelerate our success.”
“This allows us to attract other funding that is critical to our ability to take a beautiful, significant but aged landmark in the heart of Trenton and turn it into something that can help rejuvenate the downtown and the entire city,” said the Rev. Molly Dykstra, acting executive director. “‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ and it takes a congregation, donors of every kind, and all levels of government to raise a transformative project like this,” Dykstra said. “We are so grateful we have exactly that broad, deep support for this project.”
120 East State began working on the project in 2022, in conjunction with the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, which leased its property to 120 East State, staking it with seed capital.
“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 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 Steeple Center Rehabilitation Project is the type of dynamic, innovative, development that our Capital City needs,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “We’re excited for the role that 120 East State will play as a draw for historical tourism during our nation’s 250th anniversary, as a center for art and community, and as an engine for economic development as we work to revitalize the Broad Street Corridor.”
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.
The venue will enable catering, arts performances, conferences, and other events, and will be fully American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
The NJEDA has awarded a $12 million tax credit toward the transformation of the former First Presbyterian Church in Trenton into an events space.,
