Clinton Lofts sits at the corner of Hamilton Avenue and South Clinton, but the story behind the building starts long before the first wall went up. What had been a mix of deteriorating row homes and an old meat packing site is now a modern apartment community. The project was led by DRM–Trenton Urban Renewal, with support from Trenton Makes Inc. and the City of Trenton. Clinton Lofts are more than just new apartments — it’s one part of a bigger plan to bring more housing to Trenton and give new life to the city.
The UEZ’s Role in the Clinton Lofts Project
A major factor in making the project work was Trenton’s Urban Enterprise Zone program. The UEZ program is designed to help businesses reinvest in targeted areas of the city by lowering certain costs and encouraging new development. For a project of this scale, those savings were more than a small boost. They made a measurable difference.
Because DRM Trenton Urban Renewal is a registered UEZ entity, construction materials for Clinton Lofts could be purchased without New Jersey sales tax. That may not seem like a lot, but on a ground up build, it added up fast. General Contractor Speedwell Construction worked closely with subcontractors to make sure everyone used the correct UEZ tax exempt purchase forms, resulting in an estimated one hundred thousand dollars in savings.
Where the Savings Went
Those dollars went straight back into the project. Savings on materials helped the team stay within budget and kept construction moving at a steady pace. In a climate where affordable, high quality housing is in short supply, making every dollar count was crucial to this project.
Projects like this show what can happen when local incentives and responsible development line up. Speedwell Construction managed the day to day work at the site and coordinated closely with subcontractors to make sure UEZ forms were used correctly. The project also had the benefit of architectural guidance from Clarke Caton Hintz and financing support from First Bank. Together, these partners helped keep the project on track and positioned the team to take full advantage of the Trenton UEZ program.
What Clinton Lofts Brings to the Neighborhood
Clinton Lofts brings more than thirty new apartments into a neighborhood that has seen decades of disinvestment. These units include modern finishes, sound insulated windows, large closets, in unit laundry, and central air. The building is also within walking distance of the Trenton Transit Center, which adds value for residents who commute by train, light rail, or bus.
Clinton Lofts is one project, but it sets the tone for what is possible when public programs and private partners work in the same direction. Trenton needs more housing that people can actually access and afford. The UEZ program helped make that possible here, and it will continue to be an important tool for future development across the city.
