Commission approves storefront and entry overhaul at 90 Nassau Street to improve retail access and accessibility

The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission approved an administrative waiver application to replace storefront glazing and add a new entry at 90 Nassau Street, in the Central Business (CB) zone, after commissioners concluded the proposed work was compatible with the building’s character.

Why it matters: The building occupies a prominent corner near Nassau Hall and FitzRandolph Gate; the changes aim to make the ground floor more marketable to prospective retail tenants while preserving the structure’s historic fabric and improving accessibility.

Elizabeth (staff member) summarized the application and the commission’s review. The application, filed under the Princeton Land Use Ordinance, requested replacement of existing storefront windows in the three archways on the Nassau Street façade, conversion of the west archway window to a new entry, and elimination of the exterior step/ramp in favor of an interior ramp to address grade changes. Staff noted the site is within the municipal historic overlay and that the proposal would replace a 9‑inch high storefront railing with a slimmer 4‑inch rail and unified glazing and transom lines.

Tyler (representative for the owner) and Joshua Zinder of Joshua Zinder Architecture described the proposed work and presented drawings to the commission. Zinder said the center bay’s transom would be retained and the new glazing and doors would align with the existing stonework where the masonry currently ends. He explained the center entry would be pulled in to align with that transom and the interior ramp would create a single accessible path rather than the existing exterior ramp. On hardware and safety, he said the doors would be half‑inch glass with 4‑inch top and bottom rails and would include panic hardware and concealed door closers at the head.

Commissioners asked about preserving column bases and stonework. Zinder replied no stonework or column bases would be altered; the proposal removes and replaces glazing but leaves the masonry intact. Staff asked whether any safety or glazing markings would be applied; the applicant indicated the existing signage condition would remain and that the new system would be consistent across bays.

Commission members praised the cleaner appearance and improved accessibility. One commissioner said the project “looks much cleaner” and another called it a “lovely design.” The commission motioned and voted to approve the project. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from Miss Satterfield, Mr. Shatkin, Miss Howard, Miss Friedman, Mr. Shore and Chairperson Capizzoli.

Votes at a glance

- Application: 90 Nassau Street — administrative waiver for storefront and entry replacement (Block 20.01, Lot 38). Motion: approve as presented. Mover: not specified; Second: Shirley (recorded). Roll call: Miss Satterfield — Yes; Mr. Shatkin — Yes; Miss Howard — Yes; Miss Friedman — Yes; Mr. Shore — Yes; Chairperson Capizzoli — Yes. Outcome: approved.

Clarifying details

The proposal preserves existing masonry and column returns, eliminates the exterior step/ramp and inserts an interior ramp, replaces the 9‑inch bottom rail with a 4‑inch rail and provides clear glazing and panic hardware. Staff asked for details on column base protection and the applicant stated that the stonework will not be changed.

Ending: The owner and design team may proceed with permits and construction consistent with the approved drawings; staff retained authority to require construction details to protect existing masonry.