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Princeton Theological Seminary presents concept plan to restore Alexander Hall, add terrace and improve accessibility
Summary
Architects presented a concept plan to restore Alexander Hall's sandstone and slate roof in kind, remove non-historic fire escapes, replace sash to allow double glazing, regrade the front for universal access and add a rear terrace and landscape improvements; staff said the concept generally adheres to Secretary of the Interior standards and the project will return as a full application.
Princeton Theological Seminary presented a concept review on April 28 for a multi-part restoration and site plan for Alexander Hall, the seminary's original 1915 building and a contributing property in the Mercer Hill Historic District.
"We are proposing to remove the fire escapes on the building," architect Nate Rogers told the commission, arguing the metal escapes no longer serve a life-safety purpose and their removal would help restore the building toward John McComb's original design. Rogers described a comprehensive conditions assessment that found the brownstone and sandstone masonry generally in fair condition but in need of spot repointing, selective brownstone repair and, in places, replacement of discolored precast replacements.
The design team proposes to replace the slate roof "in kind" with a high-grade (grade S1) slate and reconstruct deteriorated chimneys, to retain the historic cornice profile where possible, and to repair or replace gutters and downspouts. Rogers said the applicant is weighing two approaches for stormwater capacity: meet baseline plumbing code (5 inches per hour) with minimal intervention, or rebuild to a 100-year storm standard (about 9.3 inches per hour), which would require more replacement of historic fabric but could be achieved in a manner that preserves the historic appearance.
The plan would also regrade the front entry to create a universally accessible entrance and construct a rear terrace that ties the building to the campus quad. "We're proposing to regrade the entry so that the front door could be universally accessible," Rogers said. The team showed site diagrams that reduce the roadway width in front of the building, add pedestrian paths, and create a small plaza with bluestone pavers and sandstone low walls.
Commissioners complimented the thorough presentation and emphasized the importance of details where replacement of historic material is proposed. Staff noted the concept "appears appropriate" and conforms in principle with Secretary of the Interior standards; the seminary team was encouraged to return with a full preservation plan application and detailed shop drawings for review.
