120 East State Awarded $12 Million EDA Tax Credit
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.
“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.”
Read our official press release to find out more about this major project milestone.
120 East State Revamps and Extends 2025 Music Contest!
Have you heard the news? 120 East State has decided to revamped, relaunched, and extended its 2025 Music Contest!
Whether new music or previously published, we want to experience and share your artistry. We encourage you to submit your song (via Soundcloud link) by 9/1/25. Entry is free!
For full contest details or to submit your entry, visit www.120eaststate.org/musiccontest.
120 East State Participates In This Year’s HIdden Heritage Tours
Join First Presbyterian Church of Trenton and others on the first Saturdays of the month for their Hidden Heritage Tours. 120 East State is glad to host a portion of the event. Please see the details above. No registration required.
History Mystery: Progress Update!
Back in February of this year, 120 East State asked the Trenton community to help solve the mystery of 13 early African American Trentonians thought to be buried in the church’s cemetery.
“We know their names and we know their dates of death, but we don’t know anything else about these early African American residents of Trenton,” said 120 East State President Cherry Oakley. “Back then, Trenton was a much smaller city and the African American population was about 10% of the city’s residents, some of whom lived in the city shortly after New Jersey abolished slavery in 1804. The people on our list may have been born into slavery and lived into freedom.
“We want to rediscover this chapter of African American history and bring these stories to life – it would open a fascinating window into our city’s history,” Oakley said. “Who are these people? Attention must be paid to them so we make sure we have the entire story of our city available.”
The First Presbyterian 13 are: Mary Price (d. Oct. 1841), William Ryerson (d. June 1843), Mary Bristol (1800/1801 – January 1864), Sally Hulicks (d. November 1865), Jane Fisher (c. January 1866), Leah Vandyke (d. January 1867), Ann Johnson (1799/1800 – September 1867), Jane Williams (d. April 1870), Tamar Smith (d. January 1871), Nancy Brown (d. January 1872), Theresa Jones (d. March 1872), Sarah Smith (d. April 1876), and Myra Miller (1819/1820 – March 1880).
Over the past four months, with the help of community members, we’ve learned that:
- A local person may be a relative of Mary Bristol
- Myra/Meira Miller was employed by an Elizabeth Welling, and lived at 77 Hanover; she previously worked for John & Cornelia Buckelew of New Brunswick
- Jane Miller may have worked in the household of Abraham Voorhees of New Brunswick
- Leah Van Dyke is listed in the household of P. Statts.
120 East State continues the conversation with a zoom call on Saturday, July 26 at 11am where members of the Truth & Repair project will demonstrate doing historic research and answer questions. For more information, please email hello@120eaststate.org or look for upcoming notices.
We’d like to extend a special thank you to everyone who contributed! If you have information to share or are interested in getting involved, please send an email to hello@120eaststate.org.
Share Your Opinion About the Steeple Center Project With Us
Join us in shaping the future of the Steeple Center at 120 East State. Share your voice, ideas, and insights to create programs and initiatives that truly matter. Be part of something bigger at 120 East State – together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community!
Please complete our brief Community Connect Survey so we can get your input. Thank you.
Connect With Us On Social Media!
Stay connected with 120 East State by following us on social media!
Our profiles are packed with exclusive interviews from our dedicated board members, exciting project updates, intriguing historical facts about our location, and candid photos of our team engaging with the community. Don’t miss out on the latest news and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our journey to transform the historic First Presbyterian Church into The Steeple Center. Join us online and be part of our vibrant, growing community!
Click the links below to follow us today and stay in the loop:
