Gov. Christie Lauds Thomas Edison State University Building Project

TRENTON. NJ - Gov. Chris Christie previewed Trenton’s newest landmark building today, Glen Cairn Hall, which will house the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing at Thomas Edison State University and has already redefined a key gateway to the city.

“We are not going to change Trenton overnight but I believe that symbols make a big difference, and Thomas Edison being right here and the work they do to transform the lives of the people who will come into this building is an excellent way to start,” said Gov. Christie, who briefly toured the building with University President George A. Pruitt. “I invite you to take a look around here and see what a difference this project has made from what was here just two or three years ago. It is truly transformational.”

The 34,360-square-foot building will include new, state-of-the-art nursing simulation laboratories, lecture halls, conference rooms and a testing center. The space will enable the institution to expand its Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program, a one-year program for those who already possess a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to become BSN-prepared registered nurses.

“We know that New Jersey needs more nurses. Being able to streamline the process of enabling well-qualified people to become nurses is something Thomas Edison is uniquely qualified to do,” said Christie.

Glen Cairn Hall will also have a two-level parking garage to accommodate more than 90 vehicles. The site, which was previously home to the Glen Cairn Mansion in the late 19th century and Glen Cairn Arms apartment complex, features views of the Delaware River, the Calhoun Street Bridge and the Trenton skyline.

The total project cost is approximately $26.2 million, of which $12.7 was funded by the Building Our Futures Bond Act, approved by New Jersey voters in 2012. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the coming months.