City of Trenton Requests Proposals to Redevelop Historic Roebling Block 2

Trenton, N.J. – Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced that based on renewed interest in the area, the City has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit redevelopment plans for Roebling Block 2, a famous industrial complex in Trenton that dates back to 1849.

Roebling Block 2 is part of the historic John A. Roebling Wire Works, a steel wire manufacturing company founded in 1849 by Brooklyn Bridge designer John A. Roebling. By World War I, the factory was the largest wire rope plant in the world.

The city-owned property comprises seven industrial buildings and a large open space in the Chambersburg neighborhood between S. Clinton Avenue, Mott Street, and Hudson Street. The buildings on this property were built between 1885 and 1957, are currently zoned for mixed-use, and have existing open floor plans ranging from 6,000 to 52,000 square feet.

“No site in the city better reflects our motto, ‘Trenton makes, the world takes,’” said Mayor Gusciora. “From my first day in office, I’ve tried to get a developer interested in this block of abandoned Roebling factories. Luckily, in the last few months, we have already received multiple offers to revolutionize this area of Chambersburg with new residential units and public squares for arts and entertainment. We’re hoping this RFP attracts even more innovative proposals and demonstrates to City Council that there has never been a better time to finally redevelop this site for our residents.”

The City seeks to identify respondents with the ability to redevelop Roebling Block 2 as a mixed-use site that repurposes the historic industrial structures while taking advantage of the surrounding land for new construction. The anticipated uses for Roebling Block 2 include market rate housing, commercial enterprise, light industry, research and development, hospitality, and performance arts.

Submissions must be received by 12:00 p.m. on April 11, 2022. Delivery must be by either courier service or registered U.S. Mail to Trenton City Hall, Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED), Office of Director C. Andre Daniels, 319 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608. Proposals must include 10 paper copies and one electronic copy in USB drive format. Hard copies of the RFP are also available at HED.

A full copy of the RFP is available here: RFP 2022_RoeblingBlock2_FINAL.pdf