Historic Commission Reviews 10-Unit Apartment Proposal In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ —RB Homes Inc. has proposed to build a 10-unit apartment building on Vandeventer Avenue.

The developer hopes to demolish a two-family home and construct an apartment building. The site contains four lots on 10, 14.5, 16 and 18 Vandeventer.

10-14.5 Vandeventer fall within the Central Historic District and 16-18 falls within the Suggested Central Residential Historic District. Properties on both sides of Vandeventer Avenue are a collection of 19th-century homes, most built in the 1890s and fashioned in Queen Ann style. The buildings proposed for demolition are currently in disrepair.

The developer plans to preserve the building of 16-18 as it has a “lot of presence to the street,” adding the character of Princeton.

The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the concept of the “Lincoln Court Project” during Monday’s meeting. The developer plans to demolish 10-14.5 to build the apartment building, while the rear yard of 16-18 will be used as parking with 9 parking spots. The property will also include a bicycle rack and a new crosswalk from the parking lot to the alley south of the property.

The development also includes two affordable housing units.

The project overview got favorable responses from the HPC.

Chair, Julie Capozzoli complimented the developer for their decision to preserve the home on 16-18. “There’s a lot to do there. I don’t think we should underestimate how expensive and hard it is to maintain a building like that especially when it’s been ignored for decades,” Capozzoli said.

“That’s a big financial investment and a big part of the project – something we really support. Obviously, Vandeventer has a unique character, and this will go a long way in continuing that.”

The project will now be reviewed by the Zoning Board at the Nov. 9 meeting and the HPC will send its memo.

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