Mercer County & City of Trenton Execute Project Labor Agreement to Use Local Skilled Labor for Historic Eagle Tavern Project

On Wednesday, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) Executive Director Anthony Verrelli, and Mercer County Building and Construction Trades Council President Wayne DeAngelo gathered to sign a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the restoration of Trenton’s Old Eagle Tavern.

This agreement marks an important step forward in the rehabilitation of one of Mercer County’s oldest historic sites and ensures that the work will be performed by skilled local union employees.

The Old Eagle Tavern was built around 1765 by Robert Waln, proprietor of the Trenton Mills on the Assunpink Creek. Originally a residential home, the structure was transformed into a tavern and inn in the 1810s, thriving through the commercial activity centered on a nearby horse racing track. The Tavern was purchased by the City of Trenton in 1965 and has been vacant since the early 1990s.

The restoration of the tavern is funded primarily through the Urban Investment Fund Grant and the Preserve NJ Capital Grants from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), with construction work to be overseen by MCIA. Once restored, the Old Eagle Tavern will serve as key historic tourist attraction in Trenton, and a part of the County’s larger plans to revitalize the South Broad Street Corridor.

“As we envision a revitalized Trenton, we must reconnect with and celebrate the city’s vibrant history,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “Working alongside our union brothers and sisters, and in close collaboration with our economic development partners, we will turn that vision into reality.”

“We’ve long recognized Trenton’s potential for tourism, recreation, and cultural growth, and the restoration of the historic Eagle Tavern is a major step toward realizing that vision. We appreciate the State’s investment and our partnership with Mercer County in bringing this important project to life,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora.

“Old Eagle Tavern is a strong example of how the Improvement Authority can leverage talented individuals to expand capacity and help local government achieve more,” said MCIA Executive Director Anthony Verrelli. “We hope this project will be one of many similar opportunities where we can meaningfully support economic growth.”