New Trenton Senior Housing Project Secures $54M EDA Funding

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has officially approved a massive funding package to transform a vacant urban lot in Trenton. This major financial boost breathes new life into a four-year-old plan to construct a dedicated senior housing complex on a historically significant property.

Known as THA Senior, the upcoming development will address regional housing shortages by delivering affordable options for older adults. Local stakeholders hope this initiative serves as a blueprint for smart urban growth across the Garden State.

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Transforming the North Ward

The new mixed-use complex will rise at 800 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard within the city’s North Ward. This site holds deep local significance as the former location of the historic Junior One Middle School, which famously operated as the East Coast’s very first junior high school after opening in 1916.

After closing its doors in 2007, the 1.85-acre property sat vacant for years before a devastating 2023 fire ruined the remaining structure. City officials subsequently ordered the building’s demolition in 2025 to clear the path for community-focused redevelopment. If you are exploring regional transformations while you plan your stay in New Jersey, historic capital investments like this highlight the state’s changing landscape.

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Modern Living and Community Perks

The approved four-story building will feature 107 affordable apartments specifically tailored for seniors earning 60% of the area median income. In addition to residential spaces, the property incorporates dedicated commercial areas and a sprawling 7,400-square-foot daycare facility.

Future residents will enjoy a wide array of modern amenities designed to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

A fully equipped fitness center and welcoming community room
Outdoor patios, scenic walking paths, and dedicated parking
On-site playground equipment for visiting family members

These additions aim to foster a vibrant, intergenerational atmosphere right in the heart of the capital city.

Financial Backing and Next Steps

The venture secured its financial foundation when the EDA approved a staggering tax credit of up to $54.3 million through its Aspire program. This substantial award covers the bulk of the project’s funding gap to ensure construction can move forward without further delay.

Additional monetary backing includes a $900,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development alongside permanent financing from the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency. Developers from the Trenton Housing Authority and PRC plan to break ground in December, with final completion expected roughly two years later.

Here is the source article for this story: Trenton’s Former Middle School Site to Become 107 Affordable Senior Apartments