To the Editor:
Preservation New Jersey expresses strong support for investment in protecting Princeton’s historic districts amid ongoing redevelopment pressures. Two notable areas of concern are the Joseph Hornor House in the Jugtown Historic District and the proposed redevelopment near the Mercer Hill Historic District.
The Joseph Hornor House, built in the 1760s by the grandson of one of Princeton’s Quaker founders, is located at 344 Nassau Street. It is a key contributing structure in the Local, State, and National Register-listed Jugtown Historic District. The house stands at the historic intersection of Nassau and Harrison Streets, alongside other significant pre-Revolutionary and early-19th-century buildings. In 2024, it was listed on Preservation New Jersey’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places due to a proposed redevelopment plan. That plan would add a large four-story structure to the rear of the historic home, effectively surrounding it and compromising its historic integrity.
More recently, attention has turned to the proposed redevelopment of the Princeton Theological Seminary’s Tennent-Roberts-Whiteley (TRW) and 92 Stockton Street sites. This project poses potential threats to the Mercer Hill Historic District. The scale, height, and massing of the proposed buildings are not compatible with the surrounding historic context, which includes modestly scaled 18th- and 19th-century homes like the Joseph Olden House and The Barracks at 32 Edgehill Street — Princeton’s oldest standing residence. The project could also impact the visual and contextual integrity of nationally significant landmarks nearby, such as the Einstein House and Historic Morven.
Preservation New Jersey acknowledges and supports the critical need for affordable housing. However, the organization emphasizes that such development must be approached with care, especially when located in or adjacent to historic districts. There is growing concern statewide about redevelopment that leads to demolition or insensitive alterations to historically significant buildings. With the rise of tax credit and affordable housing incentives, it is more important than ever to ensure compliance with established preservation guidelines at all levels.
Thoughtful redevelopment can activate and revitalize historic places. Preservation New Jersey supports projects that respect and preserve the architectural and cultural context of their surroundings. Integrating new construction within historic districts — rather than overwhelming them — is essential for sustainable, community-centered planning. Projects like the revitalization of the Joseph Hornor House should serve as models for how preservation and development can coexist.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Princeton has an opportunity to lead by example. By preserving its historic assets, developing educational resources, and engaging the community, the town can showcase its important role in the nation’s history. Preservation New Jersey encourages the municipality to prioritize practices that honor its unique heritage while meeting present-day needs.
Ultimately, the goal is to collaborate with local officials, property owners, and developers to find creative, preservation-minded solutions. We stand ready to offer technical guidance and support to help balance development goals with the protection of Princeton’s historic fabric.