By Donald Gilpin
A Transformation Grant for $150,000 has been awarded to Experience Princeton for an economic feasibility study, technology upgrades, and promotional activities, as well as plantings, furniture, and signage, as America’s 250th anniversary celebrations approach.
“In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the U.S., we will do a targeted marketing spend through our website and online applications to raise the profile of businesses in Princeton,” Experience Princeton Executive Director Isaac Kramer wrote in an email. “This will complement the work of Morven Museum & Garden, which Experience Princeton is partnering with, and the two grants from Mercer County that Experience Princeton has already received to support this work.”
The addition of plantings and seating to Witherspoon Street north of the Public Library and Arts Council and also along Nassau Street east of Moore Street is also on the agenda, as is the purchase of a one-year license to provide data to assist businesses and partners of Experience Princeton to better understand visitation patterns in order to better target marketing and attract new businesses.
Princeton was designated as one of 29 communities recognized by Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ) after a competitive application process.
”Receiving the Main Street New Jersey designation is a significant honor and a reflection of our ongoing efforts to promote economic development and growth,” said Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros, as quoted in an Experience Princeton press release. “This grant allows us to invest in a range of valuable initiatives that support our local business and property owners.”
The funding from MSNJ is part of a larger effort by Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which administers MSNJ, to commit more resources to community revitalization programs that focus on small businesses and neighborhood improvement projects.
“This grant is a smart investment in Princeton’s future,” said New Jersey State Sen. Andrew Zwicker. “Not only will this money strengthen our small business community and ensure downtown Princeton remains vibrant and inclusive, but we can now look forward to showcasing the town’s rich history for America’s 250th anniversary. I’m proud to see Princeton recognized as a Main Street New Jersey community and grateful for the state’s continued commitment to local economic development.”
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson emphasized, “Princeton is a must-see for tourists coming to Mercer and New Jersey, making it a great fit for Main Street designation and this transformation grant. Princeton has always been innovative in both economic development and the creation of tourism opportunities for locals and visitors alike.”
Experience Princeton and the town of Princeton have collaborated to plan and get approval for a number of projects, some of which will start immediately and others that will be implemented in the coming months, with all work planned to be completed by June 1, 2026.
Also now under the auspices of Experience Princeton and in the news last week was a new installation presented by the Princeton Einstein Museum of Science at Dohm Alley off Nassau Street next to Starbucks.
Experience Princeton has taken over from Princeton Future in overseeing and supporting Dohm Alley exhibits and performances. The current exhibit, “Einstein’s Brain: Mind of A Genius,” features several illustrative panels titled “Albert’s Thought Process,” “Albert’s Thought Experiment,” “Think Like a Genius,” “Your Thought Experiment,” “Understanding Differently,” and more.