The League of Women Voters
of New Jersey

a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose purpose is to promote political responsibility
through informed and active participation in government

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW JERSEY
STATE OFFICE

204 WEST STATE STREET
TRENTON, NJ 08608
609-394-3303
Contact@lwvnj.org

• The League has been the proud owner of our building--known as the "Pride of Lions" because of the two terra cotta lions' heads exterior sculpture--since 1985. Architect William A. Poland, a Mercer County native and the 'dean of Trenton architects,' designed the row of Romanesque Revival homes (198-210 West State Street) as well as a number of structures in Trenton, most of which have been demolished. Ferdinand Roebling (1842-1917), best known for building the Brooklyn Bridge, built this row of buildings in 1885. The building's rusticated, crudely chipped stone arches and base, sometimes called "medieval revival," were made popular by H.H. Richardson, a famous architect of the 18th century. An interesting feature of the house is that each building works individually but they were designed as a whole.
  
  
• The League building, however, has always been associated with Washington A. Roebling II (1881-1912), Ferdinand's nephew, who traveled to Europe to purchase furniture for 204 West State street, his new home. Unfortunately he sailed home on the Titanic and never moved into his new home. His father, Charles Gustavus Roebling, was a prominent member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Trenton. He rebuilt the west wall of the cathedral as a memorial to his son after the Titanic disaster. Intricately carved furniture from Japan arrived here after his death and eleven pieces are now on display across the street in the New Jersey State Museum.
  
  
• The building places the League of Women Voters in the heart of state government and is an invaluable asset in our efforts to influence New jersey public policy. It offers a support base for immediate access to government leaders and legislators.
  
  
• The Pride of Lions is in the State Street Historic District, one of the first historic districts named by Trenton's Landmarks Commission. LWVNJ has performed major restorations over the years, supported by grants from the Trenton Downtown Association, the City of Trenton's façade restoration program, and by donations from members.

Read the full history of the building here.

How to Get Here

From the East: Take 195 West to Route 29/129 North. When it splits, stay to the left for Route 29 N (toward Lambertville). You'll go through the tunnel. Exit right off Route 29 North at Calhoun Street. Turn right at the first traffic light onto West State Street. The state League office is on the left, across the street from the State Museum.

From the South: Take route 206 North or 295 North to Trenton. Bear left for Routes 29/129 North. When it splits, stay to the left for Route 29 N (toward Lambertville). You'll go through the tunnel. Exit right off Route 29 North at Calhoun Street. Turn right at the first traffic light onto West State Street. The state League office is on the left, across the street from the State Museum.

From North/Central via Route 1: Take Route 1 South past Quaker Bridge/Mercer Mall area. (It is best to stay in the left lanes through this area, until you are past the I-95/I-295 intersection). At the point where Route 1 splits into business/express, stay to the left. Continue to the last exit in NJ (last exit before toll). Stay in the right lane and turn right at the light onto Warren Street. Turn left at the next light onto Market Street. Stay in the left lane and get onto Route 29 North. Exit right off Route 29 North at Calhoun Street. Turn right at the first traffic light onto West State Street. The state League office is on the left, across the street from the State Museum.

From the North/West: Take Route 287 South to Routes 202/206 exit in Bridgewater. Continue on 202 South through the Flemington Circle onto Routes 202/31 South. Exit onto Route 31 South (just past a (Shell) gas station). Continue to first light and make a right onto Route 579. Continue on route 579 to the second light at Washington Crossing. Turn right at light, down the hill to light at Route 29. Left onto Route 29 South. Exit at Calhoun Street and make a right at light onto West State Street. The state League office is on the left across the street from the State Museum.

From the New Jersey Turnpike: Take Exit 7A. Follow Route 195 West to Routes 129/29 North-Capitol Complex. Follow directions "From the East".

From the South via Garden State Parkway: Take Garden State Parkway North to Exit 58. Take Route 539 North to Route 195 West. Follow direction "From the East". (If you wish you can take the Garden State Parkway to the Route 195 West intersection at Exit 98.

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