Writing about the principals of HHG Development hardly requires an interview. I've known all of them for many years and we're all neighbors in Mill Hill. In fact, one of the first buildings I looked at in Trenton was owned by Hatch and Henderson. .....

Everett's Corner is made up of 3 buildings which I toured this month. They are 102 Centre St (3 units), 105-107 Centre St. (3 units) and 47-49 Centre St.(2 units). Everett's Corner is part of the Trenton Ferry project which includes several closely linked projects from HHG, developer Bill Carlucci and builder Ralph Maselli. Together these projects will substantially revitalize the area of South Trenton nearest Mill Hill.

All 8 units are for sale (prices have not been set) but the units range in size from 744 SF to 1800 SF. Several of the lofts are designed with live/work uses in mind (read artists studio and gallery). Interestingly 102 Centre is a former A&P grocery from the pre-supermarket era. 47- 49 Centre actually faces onto a Cooper St. which doesn't exist anymore. 105-107 Centre includes a loft that stretches half a block down Ferry St.

HHG, as you'll read in my interview, has a long track record of historically sensitive redevelopment. Everett's Corner is their first big foray out of Mill Hill and into South Trenton. I encourage those that are so inclined to call or email HHG (speak to Michael or David) and work out a pre-construction agreement.

To put the project's location in perspective, Everett's Corner is literally one block (and a bridge) away from my renovated building at 324 S. Broad and directly across the bridge from Avner Krohn's renovated 364 S. Broad building. In other words, if Mill Hill is the epicenter of Trenton's revitalization, Trenton Ferry is the next ring out and that's right where you want to be.

By the way, if you did get a unit, please drop me a note, I'd like to hear about it (OK - really I just want to have friends that will invite me to parties on that great 9th floor patio).

By the way, I'm told the parking situation is resolved. Hooray!

February 3 will cover Part 2 - "conditions for city diversity", led by Pete Kasabach. February 17 will cover Part 3 - "forces of decline and regeneration", led by yours truly, Dan Dodson.

The meetings will take place at Classics Book Store, 117 S. Warren St. in Trenton, from 2-4pm on the above dates.

The second kind of apartment, I'm going to call the "Urban Oasis". The landlord probably invests in the property, suitably manages it and is otherwise involved in the Trenton community. Tenants are well screened for their ability and propensity to pay rent on time. The space is new, renovated or kept in good repair. Unlike the former type, these apartments provide a good return on investment to the owner and a decent, safe and sometimes extraordinary living experience for the tenant.

Trenton Lofts is expanding its reach to include more and more options for its readers. However, I'd like to continue to highlight rental properties that stand above the rest. I'll identify these rentals as "Urban Oases". They aren't all necessarily expensive, as some units might be wonderful places to live but simply smaller. That said, there are several apartments in the $1400-$1600 / month price range that while high end for Trenton, are so superior to comparably priced suburban properties, renters would be silly not to consider them.

So, here are some of Trenton's Urban Oases

• 324 S. Broad #3 - Mill Hill - A newly renovated one bedroom in a great building in Trenton's best neighborhood - $700
• Sound of Trenton Floors 3&4 - Downtown - Large renovated space right on State St. - $1500
• Ice House A12 - Chambersburg - Beautiful renovation in Restaurant District - $1600
• Broad St. Bank - Downtown - Trenton's showpiece renovation project. Everything new with a great view - $700 - $1500

The Soul Cypher Poetry Slam is hosted by J. Simone on Wed. Jan. 31 at the 449 Room at 449 S. Broad St. (the former Urban Word). Poet sign-up is at 8:30pm and the fun starts at 9.

More Information:
449 Room
449room.com
(609) 989-7777