The Roebling Lofts will have ceiling heights up to 20 feet and windows up to 14 feet
TRENTON -- The former Roebling complex off of Route 129 has long been a reminder of the city's proud industrial past and a promise of its future.
Now after decades of sitting vacant, the old factory buildings are finally getting a second life, much to the relief of local officials and residents.
Construction began about a month ago, but on Thursday HHG Development Associates officially broke ground on Roebling Lofts, the first phase of its ambitious mixed-use project.
Building 101, which was built in 1917, is being transformed into 138 lofts.
Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson called the project a "game changer" for the capital city.
"Trenton's revival has begun and it's projects like this that illustrates the vibrant transformation," he said.
He said it shows that Trenton, like other post-industrial cities, can once again become a sought-after place to live, work and play.
Former Roebling complex is Trenton's catalyst
"If this region is going to continue to grow and attract creative, innovative businesses and workers, we must have a vibrant and exciting, authentic, diverse urban center and that's Trenton," said John Hatch, one of the three partners of HHG. "If we're going to continue to attract the millennials, we need a revitalized Trenton and this project is the next step in that process."
It's taken years to get to this point. After an earlier redevelopment proposal fell through, the county in 2011 selected HHG, whose partners include Hatch, David Henderson and Michael Goldstein.
Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said finding the best use for the Roebling complex has been a priority of his since he took office.
"HHG's concept provides the perfect mix of live and work spaces and is exactly the type of energized development we need to spur other projects in Trenton," he said.
The start of construction was possible once HHG secured a $35 million financing package, which involves a combination of financing and tax credits.
When completed, the four-story building will measure 151,000 square feet.
The one- and two-bedroom units will have ceiling heights up to 20 feet, windows up to 14 feet and spiral staircases. Materials will be sustainable, appliances will be energy-efficient and the amenities and finishes will be upscale.
The lofts will range in size from 759 to 1,553 square feet. Monthly rents will start at $1,140 for a one-bedroom and $1,595 for two-bedroom units.
The building is expected to be ready for occupancy by spring 2017 and will be managed by Pennrose Management Company.
The lofts will retain the industrial and historic character from the Roebling era.
Building 101 was where light- and medium-gauge wire rope for aircraft, elevator cables and submarine netting was spun. Cables that were used in Charles Lindbergh's The Spirit of St. Louis were made inside the building.
A machine designed to simulate stresses on wings was salvaged and will become the centerpiece of a fourth-floor resident lounge, once the testing lab for its aircraft business.
Roebling Lofts, however, is only the beginning of the Roebling Center project.
The second phase will add another 52 lofts and restaurant and retail space to Building 104-5 and a new building.
And as part of the third phase, Buildings 114, 110 and a new tower will accommodate as much as 200,000 square feet of commercial space, restaurant space and a 949-space parking garage.
A public mill yard or piazza will play host to outdoor arts and cultural events.
"Without the vision for this site and their commitment to this project, we wouldn't be here today," Hughes said.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.