|
The building’s principle architect, William A. Poland was a native
Trentonian and one of the best-known men in his profession in this
section of the country. Trained as a carpenter and pattern maker, he
began his apprenticeship in Philadelphia with T. Rodney Williamson and
J.P. Sims. During his stay in Philadelphia, he was employed as a
draftsman in the Phoenix Iron Works. Later he began working in New
York with R.H. Robertson. In between setting up his own office in
Trenton and working in New York, Mr. Poland received his formal
training at the Franklin Institute. In April of 1882, Mr. Poland
established his local office at 11 West State Street, Trenton.
Besides the Broad Street Bank Building, his other notable designs
include many other city buildings. His Trenton designs that still can
be seen include the 1888 Bethany Presbyterian Church, the 1916 Junior
High #1, the Masonic Hall, the original Y.M.C.A. adaptively reused
today by Rite Aid, and several homes on Prospect and Chestnut Streets
and Bellevue, Greenwood and Clinton Avenues. The Forst Richey building
was also designed by Poland but has since been demolished. One of his
most celebrated designs adaptively reused today for office space is
the Ferdinand W. Roebling mansion on West State Street. Included in
the State House Historic District directly across from the State House
proper, this compilation of town homes has been nicknamed the Pride of
Lions for its terra cotta lions’ head statues. Recognized for its
architectural elegance, the mansion was the home to the city*s famous
steel bridge pioneering Roebling family and was placed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Poland*s style ranges from Romanesque to
Moderne to Victorian showing his versatility as a designer. Besides
being ne of the region*s and certainly the city*s most renowned
architects, Poland was also a civic leader. He was a member of the
Board of Freeholders, Chairman of the Road Committee, Trustee of the
First Baptist Church, and Superintendent and Architect of Grounds and
Building for the Trenton Public Schools. Any other architect in
influencing the built environment of the State’s capitol has not
surpassed the multitude of buildings coupled with the range of
architectural styles produced by Poland.
About BSB - Request More Info -
Floor
Plans - Property History -
Contact Us - Brokers |
