AN ARTFUL GIFT: The Arts Council of Princeton paid tribute to architect J. Robert “Bob” Hillier, left, with a painting of him and his late wife and fellow architect, Barbara, by artist Aaron C. Fisher, right. Hillier was honored for his longtime support of the nonprofit, its surrounding Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, and the town.

By Anne Levin

At a benefit for the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) Friday, April 5, architect and developer J. Robert “Bob” Hillier (a Town Topics shareholder) was honored for his support of the organization, his hometown of Princeton, and the Witherspoon-Jackson community. Some 300 people attended the “Art People Party” at the ACP, which included refreshments, dancing, and music along with the tribute.

“I found the entire experience of well-wishers coming from all parts of my long career — 300 in total — both overwhelming and yet so gratifying, especially in that my recently passed wife of 40 years was also included in the expression of thanks,” said Hillier, who was presented with a painting by artist Aaron C. Fisher of Hillier with his wife, Barbara; and a 3D model of the home they built in New Hope, Pa. “I was truly humbled by the honor, but also inspired to do more for Princeton and the Arts Council,” he said.

Adam Welch, the ACP’s director, said the decision to honor Hillier was an easy one.

“He has been a super generous benefactor to the town, the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood, the Joint Effort Safe Streets program, and the Arts Council,” Welch said before the party. “Seeing all these good deeds he’s been doing, it’s just been a great relationship. I wanted to bring it to the next level, and make sure he realized people appreciate him. Because when you are doing that kind of work, generally all you hear are the complaints. You don’t often hear the good stuff.”

Welch said that the same day he and John Bailey of Joint Effort Safe Streets were discussing the prospect of honoring Hillier, the ACP development team was speaking to a committee about the event. “We both came up with the same idea of honoring Bob,” Welch said. “So here it was — a perfect, seamless opportunity.”

After running one of the largest and most successful architecture firms in the world, Hillier co-founded Studio Hillier in 2011 with his wife Barbara, who died in 2022. The interdisciplinary design firm operates out of a transformed machine shop and warehouse on Witherspoon Street. Hillier has been on the core faculty of Princeton University’s School of Architecture since 1992, where he teaches two graduate seminars. Five years ago, the New Jersey Institute of Technology renamed its College of Architecture the J. Robert and Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design.

Studio Hillier has been instrumental in the project to install 29 informational plaques throughout the once-segregated Witherspoon-Jackson Historic District.

“For 10 years Barbara had been testing all possible models for the renaissance of Witherspoon Street,” Hillier said. “We are now about to execute her (and my) dream for its historic restoration.”

Hillier has watched the ACP evolve over the decades, overcoming some initial resentment from neighborhood residents who did not feel it was inclusive.

“For me, the Arts Council is now where it should be,” he said. “It’s a major service organization for the entirety of Princeton, in a very diverse neighborhood that is now proud of its presence in the community.”

Welch said Hillier has been responsive and supportive of many ACP events. “This seemed like a great way to celebrate his accomplishments,” he said. “And we want the town to see that we’re recognizing that. We’re just happy to be able to give back. People who give are usually asked to give repeatedly. It’s nice when you can show a little love in return that hopefully is deeply meaningful.”