New Jersey Economic Development Authority
An Anchor for Safe, Supportive, and Equitable Access to Care
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center
The Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center, currently under construction, is the manifestation of the mission of Nurture NJ, First Lady Tammy Murphy’s legacy initiative to ensure healthcare equality throughout the state of New Jersey. With the goals of reducing infant and maternal mortality and providing quality health care for Trenton’s families, Ballinger worked with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MIHIA), the First Lady, the Trenton community, and the building’s three anchor tenants – Rutgers, Trenton Health and Capital Health/Catholic Charities – to design a welcoming place for equity, healthcare, and developing technologies. The 68,000 SF building will provide pre and post-natal clinical services; family health services; education programs to cultivate the perinatal workforce; and social and wrap-around services. It will also serve as an innovation incubator and hub for prenatal care impact and resource development. Designed as a landmark and new community center between downtown Trenton and its surrounding neighborhoods, the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center is intentionally positioned to symbolize wellness and community uplift. Its presence along Trenton’s public streets will be a beacon of hope—reflecting New Jersey’s mission to reshape the landscape of maternal and infant health for generations to come. With seamless access to public transit, Monument Park, and nearby canal paths, the Center invites families from across New Jersey into a welcoming environment rooted in dignity and care.
key information
The Center’s design creates a warm, reassuring, and safe environment for mothers and families—an oasis within the city. The exterior design balances natural light through expansive glazing and skylights in public areas, complemented by slender floor-to-ceiling windows in private spaces to maintain privacy while offering views and daylight. At its heart, an intimate multi-level central commons provides a clear sense of wayfinding and a welcoming space for connection. The facility delivers comprehensive maternal care through a thoughtfully scaled environment that integrates community and elevates standards of care, featuring exam rooms, a phlebotomy suite, ultrasound and non-stress testing areas, as well as large group therapy and centering rooms designed to foster shared experiences and personalized support.
Even within its dense, urban site, the project includes green space and discreet parking. The landscape creates a plaza for respite, while strategic plantings of trees and native species form a natural buffer that nurtures both wellbeing and connection to the surrounding city. Designed for LEED Gold, the site design incorporates advanced stormwater management through bio‑retention basins, native plantings, and a green roof to reduce environmental impact and enhance ecological resilience. Energy‑efficient building systems, exterior systems and daylighting strategies create a bright, healthy environment that supports wellness and sustainability.
