TRENTON, NJ
Clarke Caton Hintz is proud to announce the opening of the New Jersey
League of Municipalities’ new headquarters in the restored Ferdinand W.
Roebling Mansion at 222 West State Street in Trenton. The nonprofit group retained Clarke Caton
Hintz to be the architects for the restoration of this important landmark. Built in the late 19th century, 222
West State Street is the only remaining home of the Roebling family still
standing in Trenton.
The League purchased the building from the City of Trenton so
that it could expand its offices in a building close to the Statehouse. According to Bill Dressel, Executive Director
of the League, “The building was in such poor condition that it took a real
leap of faith to proceed with the project!”
Funding came from a combination of low cost loans from the New Jersey Economic
Development Authority and Wachovia Bank as well as a crucial grant from the New
Jersey Historic Trust. The League’s
completion of the project is a testament to their commitment to urban revitalization
and to the health of the New Jersey’s cities.
The Roeblings were pioneers in wire rope and suspension
bridge technology. For more than 100
years, they played an important part in the development of Trenton and in
building New Jersey’s reputation for industrial innovation. Originally, there were three important
Roebling Mansions on West State Street, each belonging to one of the three sons
of John Roebling, founder of the company.
Two were demolished to make way for the State Complex. This last remaining Roebling house was also
in danger of demolition by neglect when Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer stepped in
to save the building. The NJ State
League of Municipalities then heroically committed to save and expand the
building.
John Hatch, AIA, partner in charge of the building’s
restoration, said that, “The structure was in worse shape than we originally
thought. Much of the interior floor
joists were not salvageable. However, we
were able to save more interior details than anticipated, including beautiful
paneling in the entrance hall and a stained glass window at the grand
staircase."
The preservation of one of the city’s most famous mansions
is a true success story. The League,
with the help of Clarke Caton Hintz, the builders (Merrell and Garaguso of
Swedesboro, NJ) and many others, was able to give back to the city by staying
downtown and restoring an abandoned landmark, transforming it into a modern
office space which will serve the League for many years.
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