QUALITY AND CONVENIENCE: “People are often more interested in renting today. They prefer not to have the upkeep and maintenance of owning a home.” Lou Carnevale (right), co-owner of The Residences At Carnevale Plaza, and Linda Fahmie, project manager, are very proud of this new opportunity for quality living in an inviting in-town Princeton location.

By Jean Stratton

Tired of cutting the grass, raking the leaves, and shoveling the snow? All the home repairs, continued maintenance — and all the rest? All these responsibilities of home ownership can be a burden as time goes by, and many people are looking into rental opportunities.

As one tenant who is enjoying the benefits of renting put it: “Just pick up the phone, and someone comes to take care of the problem. How nice is that!”

The newly-opened Residences At Carnevale Plaza at 255 Nassau Street offer quality rental living with a convenient in-town location.

Many Princetonians will remember the address as the former site of the long-time Davidson’s Market. Owned by Lou and Rocco Carnevale, the building has been completely redeveloped and reconfigured, points out project manager Linda Fahmie, whose company ROI Renovations and Development was in charge of development.

Long Experience

“When the Carnevales set out to proceed with the project, their goal was to develop the property as a quality development,” said Fahmie. “The residential portion would be built to quality standards, and could be a place to call home. It wouldn’t just be a transient stop; residents will really make it a home.”

The Carnevales have long experience in real estate, having owned property in Kingston, Rocky Hill, and Princeton. Many will remember their Annex Restaurant, a long-time Princeton mainstay.

The new construction features 23 two and three-bedroom apartments, many with a balcony. A spacious roof-top patio overlooks the surrounding streetscape as well as sections of the Princeton University campus. On-site parking and a landscaped plaza fronting on Nassau Street are other welcome advantages.

The location at the northeastern section of town appeals to the new tenants, adds Fahmie. “It’s the location. The convenience is unsurpassed. A lot of people are changing their lifestyle and are often downsizing. Many residents consider this eastern section of town as the ‘SoHo’ of Princeton. It’s a lively pedestrian mix of fascinating places.”

Princeton and Beyond

The property is located near the post office, 12 varied cafes and restaurants, a New York-style deli, two coffee shops, two package goods stores, a salon, dry cleaner, and gas station. Those who like to bike will find Jay’s Cycles close by.

Tenants are coming from the Princeton area and beyond, including Manhattan and even as far as Michigan.

“They like the urban setting with the availability of all Princeton has to offer, and many of the tenants mention how pleased they are to be able to walk to events on the Princeton University campus, and be in town,” says Lou Carnevale. “Also, they often want a place that is near their grown kids who are here.”

It is a nice mix of people, he adds. All ages, with couples, families, and singles. “One family has four kids under 10 years old, and there are older people. Some are retired, but most are still working,”

Dr. Joseph Tricarico and his wife Joyce, formerly of Hillsborough, were the first tenants to sign up, reports Fahmie. A dentist and a lawyer, Dr. Tricarico learned about this new opportunity and decided to look into it.

“Like a lot of people, we planned to downsize,” he explains. “We wanted to live in a town environment, where we could walk to restaurants, movies, and the theater. We also wanted to be in a college town. We are very pleased to be here. This is a very nicely constructed apartment building, a step above what other buildings offer.”

Top-of-the-Line

It is certainly high quality every way. Top-of-the-line materials have been used throughout, points out Fahmie. Kitchen countertops in third floor apartments feature Taj Mahal quartzite, with granite countertops in the other apartments. Slow close, dovetail drawers, and porcelain tile backsplashes with under-counter lighting are a plus, as are islands and custom pendant lighting above.

Baths offer elegant porcelain tile floor and shower walls, recessed lighting, and curbless shower entry with glass doors. Moen fixtures are in both the baths and kitchen.

The open concept, so favored today, is an important factor in the floor plan, and as Lou Carnevale notes, “You can fit in more in less space with the open concept.”

Attractive custom molding is another feature, as are select hickory plank flooring, and recessed lighting throughout. Special attention has been paid to include distinctive lighting throughout the building. As Fahmie points out, “Lighting adds interest. Lighting is like the ribbon on the package!”

Each apartment has a washer and dryer, and most units have pipes for installation of gas fireplaces. Many bedrooms have walk-in closets.

A four-story elevator is available (including to the roof patio), and the handsome lobby features vintage-style mailboxes, up-lighting, and attractive porcelain tile flooring with pewter inserts. French doors separate the lobby from the residential area, and entry is electronic with key pads.

Environmentally-Friendly

“We have very good security with electronic entry cameras, and also, the building is fully sprinkled,” says Lou Carnevale. “Everything is built on steel. It is a steel and concrete structure. This is an energy-efficient building, and environmentally-friendly products have been used throughout. This extends to the landscaping, which includes plantings and seating in the plaza and on the roof.”

He adds that storage is available in the lobby and on the roof. Parking, both open and reserved, is provided in the building’s adjoining parking area.

Tenants may have a maximum of two pets, and a monthly pet fee is required, notes Fahmie. “The pets must be breeds that work well in a community environment. Mostly, they are dogs and cats.”

Application for residency continues to be underway, she adds, and the building is now more than half filled. A very encouraging sign, since it just opened in mid-September.

A strong credit score is necessary, as is a background check for anyone over 18.

Quality Property

“This is a quality property, and it is priced appropriately for a quality property,” she explains.

In addition to the residential apartments, the property includes TD Bank and a Bon Appetit kiosk on the plaza. The latter will serve coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and other products daily from Bon Appetit’s main location in the Princeton Shopping Center.

“This is a special place,” says Fahmie. “People like it for so many reasons, including the availability of arts and culture and the richness of the community in Princeton. Also, there is the question of time. This is often the biggest thing. People don’t want to take time to manage all the upkeep, maintenance, etc. of owning a home.

“The tenants are so nice, really lovely people. I enjoy them so much. They really understand the benefits of moving into a community like this.

Adds Lou Carnevale: “To me, it’s a great pleasure to go up on the roof and see the view, and be able to look out on part of the university campus. You can also see the Fourth of July fireworks and hear the music. There are just so many benefits here. And, if people want to, it can be an excellent way to age in place. One-floor living is easier. You won’t have to give up your home.”

For further information, call (609) 477-6577; email: office@carnevaleplaza.com. Website: www.carnevaleplaza.com.