The former Roebling complex off of Route 129 has long been a reminder of the city’s proud industrial past and a promise of its future.

Now after decades of sitting vacant, the old factory buildings are finally getting a second life, much to the relief of local officials and residents.

As reported in NJ.com, Construction began about a month ago, but HHG Development Associates officially broke ground on Roebling Lofts last week, the first phase of its ambitious mixed-use project.

Building 101, which was built in 1917, is being transformed into 138 lofts.  The lofts will retain the industrial and historic character from the Roebling era.

Building 101 was where light- and medium-gauge wire rope for aircraft, elevator cables and submarine netting was spun. Cables that were used in Charles Lindbergh’s The Spirit of St. Louis were made inside the building.

A machine designed to simulate stresses on wings was salvaged and will become the centerpiece of a fourth-floor resident lounge, once the testing lab for its aircraft business.