Historic Trenton commercial property for lease on W. State St.
TRENTON » The best part of the new commercial property for lease on West State Street may be downstairs.
A wooden bar is tucked in the basement that feels like a speakeasy, where deals were done back in the day.
“The bar was there so I capitalized on that to have that feeling like the old times like it used to be,” owner John Salis said Wednesday at a ribbon-cutting event for the property at 226 W. State St. “I think it will be a benefit to whoever rents the building to use the downstairs space to unwind from a busy day.”
Wednesday was the first day the property was available for lease.
Salis purchased the three-story brick building that features wooden frame doorways that arc to a point, two mosaic tile fireplaces and stained glass windows in December.
The property is situated directly across the street from the New Jersey Office of the Treasurer and is just a stone’s throw from the Statehouse.
The space used to house offices for doctors, professionals and a congresswoman.
“But it was left vacant for a couple of years,” Salis said, noting the building was in disrepair. “When I got it, the property was in need of a lot of work.”
The Staten Island native also bought two other properties in Trenton within the last six months.
“I see the potential,” Salis said of the capital city. “I love the architecture. The pricing is right for investors to come in and do the same. Hopefully, I influence other investors to do the same as well. I think Trenton within the next five years, we’re going to see a change and I want to be a part of it.”
The ribbon-cutting was attended by Mayor Eric Jackson and local business leaders.
“This is just another sign of the direction that the city of Trenton is heading,” said Jackson, who earlier in the day attended a press conference with Gov. Chris Christie for the announcement of a new riverfront park and pedestrian bridge over Route 29. “We have young entrepreneurs coming in and opening up their businesses to create more business here in the city.”
The head of the Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) believes this is the type of economic activity that the city needs.
“I think there’s a tremendous amount of positive momentum in the city,” TDA Executive Director Thomas Gilmour. “I just think people need to get onboard right now.”
Greater Trenton CEO George Sowa said the opening is the “type of thing that helps transform the city.” “By bringing investors into the city, it does change things,” he said.
Salis said he can see the space housing a professional office with lobbyists or attorneys.
For information about leasing the property, contact 718-581-3622.