A Game Changer for Trenton: Roebling Lofts Breaks Ground

On Mar 18, 2016

W.S. Cumby, Builders and Construction Managers, along with HHG Development and Clarke Caton Hintz Architects, recently broke ground on Roebling Lofts, an adaptive reuse project that will transform the abandoned John A. Roebling and Sons’ wire rope manufacturing warehouse into 138 luxury loft apartments. Roebling Lofts is the first phase of a five phase mixed-use revitalization project, centered in the heart of downtown Trenton. The first and largest phase will transform Building 101, formerly known as the Clark Street Rope Shop, into one- and two-bedroom units. Lofts will range in size from 759 to 1,553 square feet while each unit will have ceiling heights up to 20 feet and windows up to 14 feet.

Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson called the project a “game changer” for the capital city. “Trenton’s revival has begun and it’s projects like these that illustrate the vibrant transformation,” he said. “It shows that Trenton, like other post-industrial cities, can once again become a sought-after place to live, work and play.”

With a mission of LEED® Gold certification by the US Green Building Council, sustainable construction materials were selected along with energy-efficient appliances and finishes. John Hatch, FAIA, LEED AP and partner of HHG Development said, “The comprehensive renovation entails new, high performance windows, green finishes and materials, and state-of-the-art, high-efficiency HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems.”

W.S. Cumby’s selection as Construction Manager for the project was partly due to their extensive experience in delivering green and high performance buildings. “This project is a model of sustainable development,” said Michael O’Brien, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President of W.S. Cumby. “It’s transit oriented, preserves the historic fabric of the community, captures the embodied energy of a 100-year-old structure and provides a healthy and efficient environment for its future residents.”

Originally built in 1917, the Clark Street Rope Shop was an ultra-modern facility for its time, with massive windows and a fire resistant design. Roebling specialized in light and medium-gauge wire rope used for aircrafts. Perhaps the company’s most famous customer was Charles Lindbergh for his cross-Atlantic flight in “The Spirit of St. Louis.” In addition, Roebling cables ended up in most of the major suspension bridges built in United States during the first half of the 20th century, including New York City’s Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Manhattan, and George Washington Bridges, as well as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

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