Palmer Square

For the Chicago neighborhood, see Palmer Square, Chicago.

Palmer Square is a historical intersection off in Princeton, New Jersey across from Nassau Street and Princeton University that today forms a collection of shops, restaurants, offices and residential spaces.

History

Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ

Palmer Square is a collection of shops, restaurants, offices and residential spaces in Princeton, New Jersey. Originally built in 1936-1939 by Edgar Palmer, heir to the New Jersey Zinc fortune, the Square was created by architect Thomas Stapleton in the Colonial Revival style as the town's complement to Princeton University, which sits directly across Nassau Street from the Square.

In order to build the original Square, Baker Street was removed in 1929 and its houses, the center of the original African-American neighborhood of Princeton, were moved to Birch Avenue.^[1] Construction of the Square was delayed until 1936 by the depression, and plans to extend the Square past Hulfish Street were put on hold after the initial phase of construction was completed, and were not realized until the 1980s, along with an expansion of Nassau Inn.^[2]

The Nassau Inn, which was formerly located directly on Nassau Street, was the centerpiece of the development. A small park sits in front of the Inn, which includes the Borough's Christmas tree.^[3] Between the park and Nassau Street, a smaller square holds a bronze statue of a tiger.^[4]

Thomas Stapleton assembled a variety of styles including a bit of old Newport, Philadelphia, Annapolis and Williamstown. The plan of the Square however is a mini-version Rockefeller Center. The early plans for Rockefeller Center contemplated an Opera House at the end while Palmer had the Playhouse Movie Theater.

Edgar Palmer’s vision was to provide jobs during the depression and create a fully integrated mixed-use downtown that would act as a commercial complement to Princeton University. The plans included the playhouse, the Princeton Post Office, and even the Borough Hall, though this structure was never built.

Over 75 years the different components of Palmer Square have come together, with a new addition or component being added approximately every decade since the 1930s.

Today

New Palmer Square residential component

Palmer Square has evolved into the primary dining and shopping destination in downtown Princeton. Seasonal events take place throughout the year on The Green. A collection of residences has been added to Palmer Square, effectively completing Edgar Palmer’s original vision.^[5] Located on Paul Robeson Place between Chambers and Witherspoon Streets, The Residences at Palmer Square include single-level condominium flats and multi-story townhomes. Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners of Lambertville, NJ mimicked Thomas Stapleton’s original Colonial Revival style with new elevations that complement the brick, Federal-style exteriors and Colonial-era structures of the immediate Palmer Square environment. Plans for the Residences came together over a three-year period and Princeton Regional Planning Board had significant input into the exterior design. The residential component’s proximity to the Palmer Square retail and other Princeton attractions resulted in a 95% walkbility score from walkscore.com.

One Palmer Square is a major office building, former home to Princeton Bank and Trust (now PNC Bank) and J. Crew. The plaza in front of One Palmer Square is the main downtown bus stop, and includes a sculpture by Seward Johnson.

Stores

Anchors

• J. Crew
• Brooks Brothers
• Ralph Lauren

Other

The Farmhouse Store, Indigo by Shannon Connor Interiors, Barbour, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Design Within Reach, Urban Outfitters, Lululemon, Jack Wills, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Lilly Pulitzer, Lindt, Blue Mercury, Talbots,

References

External links

• Palmer Square
• , Princeton Historical Society
• Princeton University

Coordinates: 40°20′59″N 74°39′39″W / 40.34966°N 74.660964°W / 40.34966; -74.660964