June 9, 2021
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today announced the start of a redevelopment project by Vessel Technologies Inc. (Vessel) on Perry Street that will turn a former city-owned vacant lot into modern, affordable, and energy efficient housing for Trenton residents.
The property at 121-125 Perry Street is in the Canal Banks Redevelopment Zone. Pursuant to a redevelopment plan that was approved by City Council in February 2021, a Vessel affiliate purchased the property from the City of Trenton in order to redevelop it into a modern, attainably-priced, luxury housing site.
The plan calls for a modular, productized housing system that features six two-bedroom units with smart-home integrated technology allowing residents to control lighting, temperature and other features with voice commands or mobile devices. The units will also feature high efficiency LED Lighting and energy efficient appliances. Completion is tentatively planned for Labor Day this year.
“This design is an excellent way to maximize the potential of a vacant lot in our city,” said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “Turning around the city lot by lot, block by block is our number one priority. Seeing a modern residential space added to the character of this neighborhood over the next few months is big step to that plan.”
“This new development blending the old with the new will jump start the revitalization of Perry Street,” said Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson. “I believe that young people who want to reside in the City will definitely show interest in renting in the vessel that will be equipped with all of the modern technology. The North Ward of Trenton is on the move and this new exciting project I believe will encourage people to reside here. Perry Street is a gateway to the City: what better place to develop this project?”
“The City of Trenton, under the leadership of Mayor Gusciora has been a tremendous partner in bringing us to where we are today – breaking ground on a new, unique apartment building on Perry Street,” said Neil Rubler, Founder and CEO of Vessel. “This particular lot offers us a perfect canvas for what we build and we hope this is the first of many opportunities to work together to achieve the city’s vision of growth and redevelopment.”
Vessel’s final design
Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson of Trenton’s North Ward shares a few words.
Mayor Gusciora speaking at the groundbreaking.
Breaking ground at the Vessel’s redevelopment site. (From Left to Right: Greater Trenton CEO George Sowa, Director of Housing and Economic Development Ben Delisle, Reverend John R. Taylor, Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Mercer County Commissioner Sam Frisby, Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson, Mayor Gusciora, Vessel CEO Neil Rubler)