Commission approves replacement of side entry doors at Nassau Presbyterian with condition to center new single door

The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission on April 7 approved a proposal from Nassau Presbyterian Church to replace a pair of auxiliary double doors on the west side of its Nassau Street entrance with a single, wider steel door, a sidelight design was discussed but the commission directed the applicant to center the replacement door and infill the opening on either side rather than retain the proposed sidelight.

The church’s representative told the commission the door change responded to security, durability and energy‑efficiency concerns identified in a security review with local police. The applicant said steel doors that preserved the raised‑panel appearance were proposed as a compromise that would maintain the building’s character while reducing long‑term maintenance and cost; custom steel doors designed to exact historic proportions would be significantly more expensive.

Why it matters: Nassau Presbyterian is a landmarked property in Princeton’s local and national historic districts. The commission’s review focused on visual compatibility from the public right of way and the practical need to upgrade an infrequently used but vulnerable entrance.

Applicant testimony and commission discussion

The applicant explained that the existing double doors measure 90 inches tall and that standard steel doors are shorter; a transom was proposed so the new door would fit the existing rough opening. The applicant said the new door would have clear glazing (to preserve egress visibility), brass hardware and finish to match other doors on the property.

Commissioners discussed proportion, alignment with the window above and operational considerations. Commissioner Elrick Endersby recommended a broader single door with a different light pattern (nine panes rather than six) and suggested eliminating the sidelight to improve proportion and compatibility with the upper window. Commissioners asked for a cost estimate of centering the door and confirmed panic hardware will be installed to meet egress code.

Outcome

The commission voted to approve the door replacement subject to centering the new single door within the existing rough opening (the applicant may infill remaining width on either side of the centered door with paneling or other appropriate materials). The motion was moved by David (recorded mover) and seconded by Shirley; the recorded vote was unanimous.

Motion and vote record

Motion: Approve replacement of the auxiliary west‑side entrance doors at Nassau Presbyterian Church (61 Nassau Street) as submitted but with the condition that the new single door be centered in the existing opening and the applicant may infill the remaining opening area on either side. Mover: David (recorded as mover). Second: Shirley (recorded as second). Vote: Miss Satterfield — yes; Mister Shatkin — yes; Miss Howard — yes; Mister Shore — yes; Mister Endersby — yes; Miss Friedman — yes; Chairperson Capizzoli — yes. Tally: yes 7; no 0; abstain 0. Outcome: approved.

Implementation notes

The applicant will supply final product specifications and a field‑verified rough opening dimension to HPC staff; the commission indicated it could accept a centered installation administratively if the submission matches the approved materials and dimensions. The commission encouraged the applicant to obtain quotes for a centered, non‑sidelighted option and to provide that information for staff review.