Trenton Architecture Tour

This was an example of a good tour guide making me feel as if something I have seen many times I am seeing for the first time. 

I was late to one of Becky's Trenton Walks Tours. I know better. I knew it was going to be a great tour. I was cozy at home writing blog posts about our trip and didn't want to leave. I also have a tendency to think it takes less time to get to downtown Trenton than it really does, especially factoring in parking. By the time I joined the group and acknowledged Becky's wide, forgiving smile, architect John had led the group had moved from the Masonic Temple, past the Old Barracks (still slated to reopen by this summer), Thomas Edison State College (John's favorite downtown Trenton building) and they were in front of the State House.

Our State House is one of the oldest in the nations, up there with those in Annapolis, MD and Dover, DE. It make sense, we are one of the oldest states in the United States.

John guided our eyes across the street to a series of former row homes that are now offices. Some better restored than others, as only someone with an eye to architectural details see. To my untrained eye, they all sparkle.

As I knew from past tours, Trenton began in 1679, a few blocks away in what we now call Mill Hill. Followed in 1719 by the William Trent House. This house in an 1870s Romanesque Revival Style, as evidenced by the heavy stone on the bottom contrasting the other materials. Next to it is an older building, then an early 20th century one in the early Classical Revival style. I wish I actually knew what all that means so I can identify them myself.

Back to our side of the street. The center part of the State House is the executive branch. It is flanked by senate and congress. The new part, a separate looking hut, is the security entrance. It is modern, but tries to keep the colors and flavor of the original building. Or not.

Next to it is the State House Annex, a
building that could fit as a backdrop for a Fascist movie with his overabundance of columns and forced symmetry meant to scare us into submission. 

Contrast that with the asymmetrical building across the street unfortunately made with brownstones which are easy to build with, but erode easily. 

The easiest way to rile up a librarian is to talk about how the great Library of Alexandria was destroyed in the 7th century taking with it much knowledge we have yet to recapture. The feeling was similar as John told us about the great mansions (including at least two owned by the Roebling family or Roebling wire fame) were purchased by the state in the 1960's and destroyed to have space for the new state cultural center, including the State Library and State Museum. Those homes, with their gardens and yards, backed up to the canal, which has since been paved over to make Route 29. Talk about another topic sure to rile up historians. The incorporated some classical elements, but also included open spaces that are not controlled, and have modern art. 

At the end of the street is a tall building with no windows on our side that feels out of place. Someone asked me what it is for, and I said I don't know, but I could make up a story if he'd like. He did. So I did. I said it is used by Netflix as a filming studio and that the city receives a lot of revenue from it. The real answer? It was a failed Holiday Inn that has great views from its top floor. It was turned into office space. A developer is interested in turning it into an apartment building. I like my version better.

We walked across the street to admire the rowhomes up close.

The Contemporary Club is housed in a 19th century Renaissance Revival building with Italianate details. I have no idea what he means, but it sound good.

The Farm Bureau next door is even older. 

Ferdinand Roebling's townhome is still standing.

The Hunter Research office building is an example of a good restoration. There is granite at the base, which is better able to withstand the elements. Upper floors are 20th century brick.

John kept our walk to an hour. Often the "lunchtime" walks stretch beyond an hour as we are all engaged with the speaker, and enough of the tour goers are not bound to a clock. John probably had to get back to work.

As we passed Thomas Edison State College again he pointed out the clock jutting out from the second story of the [Henry Cooper] Kelsey building. The two tick marks represent the hour when his beloved wife Prudence Kelsey passed away. In the room where the clock extends is a room dedicated to her with her porcelain. It was a condition of the donation of the building.

Next time I'll try to get there earlier as they are always informative, as well as entertaining.

(Not take during the tour, but I still like the picture of the
State House dome all lit up at night)