The Aubrey Group assisted with two applications from the New Jersey Historic Trust for the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple in 2024. This included the Preserve New Jersey Historic Site Management and Capital Improvement Grant. Both applications were successful.

The Capital project involved the scraping and sanding of the first floor exterior window frames and removing sealants, removing and installing all new pieces of window framework, and the installation of new backer rods before installing new sealants, with the goal of restoring the exterior of the building to its former glory, while mitigating the threat of water and other damage posed by aging building components, as directed by the preservation plan. The Temple was awarded $60,000 for this project.

From the Historic Site Management Grant application, the Temple was awarded $31,350 to help update the building’s preservation plan, including exploring new proposed uses for the building (ideally a museum open to the public), an update to long-term priority repairs, and code compliance recommendations.

Our team also provided the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple with an extensive grant research report forecasting applicable opportunities for the various historic preservation projects and other programs. Combined with the applications created for the Historic Trust, the Temple team is able to pursue future opportunities independently.

About the Client: The Historic Trenton Masonic Temple is a 1793 structure in the New Jersey State Capitol’s Historic District. The building has served as a Masonic Lodge, a school, a shop for a furnisher and upholsterer, a museum, and is now a tourist information center and event space. The temple still serves as the home for the Freemasons and the Masonic Grand Lodge of New Jersey.

Photo Credit: Historic Trenton Masonic Temple Facebook Page