On Saturday, November 4th, The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) will highlight five homes, each of a particular architectural style and time period, during their 16th annual House Tour. Visitors will have the opportunity to see inside some of Princeton’s most beautiful homes and glimpse their design and decor during the self-guided tour. Between 10 am and 4 pm, visit 75 Cleveland Lane, 73 Library Place, 44 Patton Avenue, 50 Patton Avenue, and 40 Mercer Street.
“This year’s tour, in particular, showcases and recognizes homeowners who have been excellent stewards of Princeton’s historic architectural gems. The House Tour provides an opportunity to truly connect with the places we pass every day, and is always an enjoyable experience for all involved!” said HSP Executive Director Izzy Kasdin.
75 Cleveland Lane is a landmark Princeton property that was saved from demolition. Designed in the 1920s by the American architect Ernest Flagg who also designed the Scribner Building in New York City, it was the home of sculpture artist J. Seward Johnson Jr. The Chateau-style mansion has been completely renovated and historic architectural details like stone walls and carved banisters remain preserved.
A turn of the 20th century Tudor Revival designed by Philadelphia architectural firm Cope and Stewardson can be toured at 73 Library Place. Built for a Mathematics professor and the Dean of Faculty at Princeton University, H.B. Fine, it includes plaster ceilings, hand-leaded windows, wood paneling and archways, and even gargoyles that were preserved by the homeowners. And the chandeliers throughout are actually from the Paramount Theater in New York City that converted into retail and office space in 1964.
44 Patton Avenue, built in 1927, was originally the storage warehouse for the Italian stonemasons who were building the campus of Princeton and likewise is also known as The Warehouse. Michael Graves, the world-famous architect based in Princeton, renovated the house himself and lived there for over 4o years. It is the best example of Mr. Graves’ design aesthetic.
Cozy and contemporary, 50 Patton Avenue is a bungalow built just before 1920. Local interior designer Katie Eastridge renovated the house which still includes many historic features like a Moravian tile fireplace, a claw-foot tub, and original hardwood floors alongside a renovated kitchen.
Finally, 40 Mercer Street was built by accomplished Princeton architect Charles Steadman in the 1830s. Located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Princeton, period details like knobs, plaster molding, and fireplaces were preserved, but the kitchen is fully renovated and a sun porch, as well as a breakfast room, were added. Charles Steadman designed over 70 buildings in Princeton and 40 of these are still around.
Visit HSP’s website for more information and to purchase tickets. Proceeds fund HSP’s work throughout the year, including exhibitions, maintenance, and education programs.
