TRENTON, N.J. (June 19, 2025) – 120 East State, the Trenton nonprofit transforming historic First Presbyterian Church into a multi-use community and cultural complex catalyzing economic and workforce development, announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved a $12 million tax credit award to the group to rehabilitate the downtown Trenton historic church structure under the Historic Property Reinvestment Program (HPRP).
“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.
About 120 East State
120 East State (120ES) is a community-based, community-centered investment in the heart of Trenton. Through public and private funding, 120ES is transforming a building with a storied past, First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, into a multi use gathering place for the whole community, including a community cafe, cultural/performing arts venue, and events/program space. Serving Trenton and greater Trenton, 120ES will contribute to the vitality of downtown, provide needed jobs and services to Trenton residents, highlight the told and untold histories of this National Historic Register property, and create a Trenton-proud hospitality zone for visitors to our capital city.
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.
