HPC Should Fulfill Mandate and Require Seminary to Meet Its Renovation Standards
To the Editor:
I live on Alexander Street across from a group of houses owned by the Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS). They have been the subject of several recent Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) hearings, as PTS is proposing long-delayed renovations to them. The houses were built in the 1830s in what is now the Mercer Hill Historic District (MHHD). A few of them are Steadman houses; Charles Steadman being considered the leading architect-builder of his era in Princeton. It is HPC’s mandate to protect and preserve Princeton’s architectural heritage. Their documented renovation guidelines are that the owner save as much original exterior material as possible. If unable to save, then the replacement material should be the same as the original. (For nearby 44 Mercer Street, HPC gave an administrative waiver to PTS for the renovation of that house, allowing the complete removal of historic original wood siding, windows and window trim.) In conversations with PTS, the MHHDA learned of the initial plans to remove all the exterior wood and original windows and replace them with synthetic material and aluminum-faced replacement windows. Based on this, the Association contacted HPC about the lack of compliance with HPC guidelines. (PTS has since modified its plans and will replace the siding with wood material.)
What is proposed is contrary to HPC standards documented in their own ordinance. We have a house of the same period and were able to use the original windows after taking each one out for repairing and stripping the old paint, so it is possible to save them. Currently, the Seminary has offered to retain original wood materials on the front facades only. However, the complete original building facades (excluding the newer additions) can also be seen from the street and deserve the same treatment, including retention of the original windows.
Individuals and institutions own historic buildings for varying periods of time but should consider themselves only temporary stewards of these structures and strive to respect and preserve their important history. The Princeton HPC should fulfill its mandate and require the Seminary to meet its renovation standards.