Grant to Preserve the Delaware Inn

Standing forlornly on Lamberton Street facing the South River Walk Park is an abandoned three-story brick building that is one of the few tangible links to Trenton’s early history as a port city. This is the Delaware Inn, also known as the Red Tavern (for its red brick exterior), built in 1798 to cater to raftsmen, stevedores, fishermen and local residents of the port community of Lamberton. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the building served as both a hotel and as a private residence; in 1942 it was converted into the main office for the neighboring Champale brewery.

Now owned by the City of Trenton and designated as a city landmark, the Delaware Inn awaits a new life as the home of the Port of Trenton Museum, a hub for the Lamberton community, and a centerpiece of the proposed residential redevelopment of the Champale site. As one of the city’s most critical heritage tourism assets, the building is also a natural supplement to the South River Walk Park, a new riverfront amenity that celebrates Trenton’s rich and varied history.

The Port of Trenton Museum Foundation was recently awarded a $50,000 grant by the New Jersey Historic Trust, matched in part by the City of Trenton, which will allow plans for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the building to be developed by the Princeton-based architectural firm of Holt Morgan Russell. The aim is to preserve the building and create space for museum exhibits, offices, a community meeting room, and a sandwich shop. The property will also be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, further increasing awareness of its historical importance.

In the coming years, the Port of Trenton Museum Foundation will be raising funds for the actual restoration of the Delaware Inn and the reintroduction of this valuable building into the local community. Contact us (info@portoftrenton.org) if you would like to become involved and lend assistance.