Trenton Restores Historic Old Eagle Tavern
The city and Mercer County are restoring the roughly 1765 tavern across from CURE Insurance Arena with a $3.5 million state grant.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The City of Trenton and Mercer County are restoring the Old Eagle Tavern, a building dating to about 1765 that has been vacant since the early 1990s. The project is supported by a $3.5 million grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
Why it matters
The restoration aims to return the property to its original use as a restaurant, tavern, and community gathering place in Trenton. City and county leaders describe it as both a preservation effort and an economic development opportunity.
The restoration is funded by a $3.5 million grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The building has stood vacant for more than three decades, and officials have not yet named a future operator, which will be selected through proposals after renovation.
The players
City of Trenton
The capital city of New Jersey, which is leading the restoration of the historic Old Eagle Tavern on South Broad Street.
Mercer County
The county government co-leading the restoration project with the City of Trenton.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The state agency that is providing a $3.5 million grant to support the tavern's restoration.
The details
Some repairs are complete, including reinstallation of historic windows. The project also includes structural and accessibility improvements, a modern commercial kitchen, updated building systems, and preservation of the building's architectural features.
Timeline
Circa 1765: The Old Eagle Tavern dates to about this period.
Early 1990s: The building became vacant.
November 4, 2026: Restoration plans were announced.
Spring 2027: Trenton targets reopening of the tavern.
Local Impact
The tavern's revival follows a broader approach of adapting historic colonial-era taverns into working restaurants and gathering places rather than leaving them as static museum pieces. Its location across from CURE Insurance Arena positions it to serve visitors to Trenton's downtown events.
For Trenton residents and visitors, the restored tavern will offer a new dining and gathering option near downtown. Hockey fans attending events at CURE Insurance Arena may find it a convenient stop once it reopens.
The takeaway
Preserving historic buildings like the Old Eagle Tavern can return long-vacant properties to active use when public funding and a clear reuse plan are in place.
What happens next
Trenton targets a spring 2027 reopening of the Old Eagle Tavern, with proposals from restaurant and hospitality operators to follow completion of the renovations.
Further reading
For more on similar projects, explore Home Renovation coverage across the Trenton area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 - New Jersey.
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