Princeton Hydro’s Trenton Headquarters Receives Historic Preservation Award

Preservation New Jersey (PNJ) honored Princeton Hydro, Clarke Caton Hintz, and Hx2 Development with the New Jersey Historic Preservation Project Award for the outstanding work to restore Roebling Wireworks and create Princeton Hydro’s new Trenton headquarters.

The project, designed by Clarke Caton Hintz and constructed by Hx2 Development, successfully converted the historic Roebling Carpentry Shop (Building 110) located in Trenton’s Wirerope District into a cutting-edge office space while preserving key elements of the original building’s character.

Each year, PNJ reviews entities that have significantly contributed to historic preservation or made sustained efforts to promote New Jersey’s rich history. Award nominees were evaluated by a panel of in-state and out-of-state preservation experts, considering criteria such as public impact, quality and creativity of the effort, increased public awareness, expanded partnerships, and the submission’s overall quality.

The 2023 Preservation Awards were presented during a sold-out event of 125 guests hosted by Preservation New Jersey at Masker’s Barn in Berkeley Heights. 14 awardees were honored for excellence in preservation.

Proceeds from the awards event were dedicated to the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey program and education initiatives managed by Preservation New Jersey’s Programs & Events Committee. Click here for a complete list of award winners and more photos from the event. 

The revitalization of the historic Roebling Carpentry Shop (Building 110) and the creation of Princeton Hydro’s headquarters office was recognized as a significant economic development milestone for the City of Trenton. The top floor of the building, comprising approximately 9,000 square feet, seamlessly blends historic elements like heavy timber trusses, factory windows, and exposed brickwork with state-of-the-art building systems, striking finishes, and modern amenities.

The project received tremendous support from the City of Trenton and Greater Trenton, the local organization dedicated to advancing revitalization efforts in the City. The redevelopment of Building 110 is part of the larger revitalization of Roebling Center, which includes five historic industrial buildings on Block 3 of the John A. Roebling’s Sons Company. Phase 1, completed in 2018, included the opening of Roebling Lofts, a unique 138-unit loft apartment building located in Building 101 of the Roebling Complex.

In May 2022, Princeton Hydro and the City of Trenton hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new headquarters office. The move brought more than 30 jobs to Trenton, revitalizing a building vacant for over 25 years and transforming it from an industrial space to a transit-oriented, modern office.

Click here to read more about the building’s renovation process and view additional “before and after” photos.

About Preservation New Jersey: Established in 1978, PNJ is a statewide member-supported non-profit historic preservation organization. PNJ promotes the economic vitality, sustainability, and heritage of New Jersey’s diverse communities through advocacy and education. Learn more.

About Clarke Caton Hintz: Clarke Caton Hintz is an award-winning firm comprising architects, planners, landscape architects, and interior designers committed to solving today’s planning and design challenges through a multi-disciplinary approach. Learn more.

About Princeton Hydro: Princeton Hydro is a water resources engineering and natural resources management small business committed to positively impacting ecosystems, quality of life, and communities. Formed in 1998, the firm provides integrated ecological and engineering consulting services, specializing in natural resource management, water resources engineering, geotechnical design & investigation, and regulatory compliance throughout the Northeast. Learn more.

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