Office Space in Trenton, NJ

February 5, 2009

Finding Small Office Space in Trenton New Jersey

Trenton offers an interesting alternative to office space in suburban Mercer County and the Route 1 Corridor, particularly for a small company. This article is a brief summary of my own observations and advice for finding small (1000 sq. ft. and under) office space in Trenton.

Generally, the downtown area, including West State Street (East of Calhoun Street), South Warren Street, Lafayette Street (Marriott Hotel) and Front Street is probably the best place to look for office space in Trenton. The downtown area is reasonably safe and there are a decent amount of restaurants and other amenities. Rents range from about $12 to $40 per sq. ft., with the typical asking price around $16 to $18 per sq. ft. Most small office finds will be in the West State Street brownstones across the street from the Statehouse and museums, as this area is home to numerous lobbyists, trade associations, lawyers, PACs, etc.

Parking is notoriously hard to find in Trenton, and it doesn't help having able-bodied, state workers abusing handicapped placards. There are, however, numerous public parking garages (although many of these close by 7pm). If you are lucky, you may find an office that includes a few parking spaces behind your building.

The Trenton Downtown area is reasonably safe and clean. There is a Trenton Downtown Association which acts as a urban partnership, sponsoring events and employing folks to pick up trash. However, most of the state workers clear out after 4:30pm and evening hours can feel a bit creepy with nobody around.

On the whole, Trenton is a nice location to have an office. The city is slowly undergoing redevelopment and there is a lot of recent and new construction going on, giving a sense that things are moving forward. While the business community is comparatively small, there are opportunities to connect and network with other folks in the area. Transportation and accessibility are very good. You can catch NJ Transit and SEPTA trains to New York and Philadelphia (there is also a River Line to Camden). Trenton is close to major highways and is easy to get in and out of.

Speaking of transit, there is a considerable amount of redevelopment planned around the newly renovated Trenton train station, along the lines of a mixed-use transit center. This may open up additional small office opportunities in the future. Stay tuned.

Links:

• 176 Division Street
  Capital Real Estate Group
  Phone: 609.656.8300
  

  This former American Cigar Factory in Chambersburg will be converted into office space. 176 Division Street will feature soaring ceilings, original factory floors, oversized windows and exposed brick walls. The building will have a full-time concierge, media & conference room, storage facilities and a shuttle to the Trenton Train Station. 176 Division Street will be one of New Jersey's first LEED Certified loft office conversions.

• Contemporary Club
  176 W State St
  Trenton, NJ 08608
  Phone: (609) 392-9727‎
  

  The Contemporary Club is a woman's club and museum which rents some nice office space at very reasonable rates. They do not offer parking however.

• Trenton Downtown Association Site Seeker
  

  The Trenton Downtown Association's free lead service to help find commercial space

• Trenton Makes, LLC
  439 S. Broad Street
  Suite 99
  Trenton, NJ 08608
  Phone: (609) 656-1199
  

  Trenton Makes includes small studio and office space across the street from the Sovereign Bank Arena.