Hopewell Borough announced that it received confirmation of an additional $146,676 in grant funding from the New Jersey Historic Trust to complete the restoration of the Borough’s historic train station. This grant adds to the nearly $250,000 the Borough previously received for the $1 million restoration project, set to conclude by the end of this month.
“I’m really excited to learn we received a recommendation subject to legislative approval,” said Mayor Ryan Kennedy at this month’s Hopewell Borough Council meeting. “The initial estimate was $500,000*, and while we got a grant for half of it, … the work was more expensive than originally anticipated. This is for a good part of the remaining balance to repair the train station before it deteriorates further.”
Built in 1876 and acquired by the Borough in 1993, the iconic station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Following restoration work, the community room named in honor of the late Borough Council President David Knights will again be available for community use and special events.
In addition to the station’s restoration, an exciting new art installation is planned for the park area near the station. Orchestrated by local artist François Guillemin and previewed at the Borough’s January meeting, the project will be announced in the coming months. A donation has also been made to support the installation, which is currently being planned.
Pictured: Guillemin and Councilman David Mackie review the location plans for the piece.
Edited on 10/14: Originally reported that the renovations were estimated to cost $1M. The correct estimate is $500,00.
