Historic Old Eagle Tavern In Mercer Gets Restoration Deal After Sitting Vacant Since 1990s

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — County and city officials recently signed a project labor agreement for the restoration of the Old Eagle Tavern, one of the County's oldest historic structures, ensuring the rehabilitation work will be performed by local union employees.

Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Mercer County Improvement Authority Executive Director Anthony Verrelli and Mercer County Building and Construction Trades Council President Wayne DeAngelo signed the agreement, which covers the rehabilitation of the circa-1765 building on South Broad Street.

The tavern was built around 1765 by Robert Waln, proprietor of the Trenton Mills on the Assunpink Creek. Originally a private residence, the structure became a tavern and inn in the 1810s, drawing commerce tied to a nearby horseracing track. The City of Trenton purchased the building in 1965, and it has sat vacant since the early 1990s.

Funding for the restoration comes primarily through an Urban Investment Fund Grant and Preserve NJ Capital Grants from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The Mercer County Improvement Authority will oversee construction.

Once completed, officials say the tavern will serve as a historic tourist destination and anchor the county's broader effort to revitalize the South Broad Street Corridor.

"As we envision a revitalized Trenton, we must reconnect with and celebrate the city's vibrant history," Benson said.

Gusciora called the restoration a major step toward realizing Trenton's potential for tourism, recreation and cultural growth, and thanked the state for its investment in the project.

A timeline and cost estimate for the restoration were not included in the announcement.

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