Princeton Writers Block, Near Completion, Hosted Chamber of Commerce Mixer

Matthew Hersh

With sunflowers and cornstalks shooting skyhigh on a classic dogday afternoon, the newly-completed Princeton Writers Block along Paul Robeson Place was the scene of a Princeton Chamber of Commerce networking gathering. Such an event, Writers Block organizers say, exemplifies the purpose of the outdoor garden.

Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Borough Merchants of Princeton, the Thursday mixer was organized to provide a chance for members from area businesses to gather, exchange ideas, and take in the scene that has slowly but subtly begun to attract the attention of passers-by.

"When I came out here for the first time, I thought the concept was so wonderful, and that [the organizers] were allowed to do this here," said Kristen Appelget, president of the Chamber, adding that the garden is "an example of great things that can happen in small, urban spaces."

The brainchild of landscape artist Peter Soderman and architect Kevin Wilkes, the Writers Block was built to showcase the combination of literature and architecture that characterizes the Princeton community. Eleven "follies," a term used for garden structures in 18th- and 19th-century England, have been completed employing the talents of local architects using designs inspired by the various styles and concepts associated with the writers.

Mr. Wilkes, for example, based his vision on the works of retired Princeton University professor and Civil War historian James McPherson. Some other writer/architect folly "teams" include: Peter Benchley and Andrew Outerbridge; Joyce Carol Oates and Gil Rampy; Paul Krugman and Ron Berlin; and Paul Sigmund and John James Rivera.

All of the follies will be auctioned off once the garden's season ends at the end of October. The proceeds will be donated to charity.

The land for the garden, which is the future site of about 97 luxury apartments, was a temporary donation from Palmer Square to Messrs. Wilkes and Soderman. The total cost, which was paid for out-of-pocket by the two organizers, is estimated to be about $27,000.

While all programming has yet to be solidified, Writers Block organizers hope to include not only community events but readings by some of the authors involved. Prof. McPherson is already slated for an appearance, but has yet to finalize a date.

To plan an event or to contact organizers, visit www.princetonwritersblock.com.