Formal dedication date still unclear.
By: Marjorie Censer
The new downtown plaza in front of the Princeton Public Library could open on a temporary basis today or early next week, Borough Administrator Robert Bruschi said Wednesday.
Borough officials had originally hoped to open the plaza with the pergola an open-roofed arbor in place. But, he said, that is no longer possible.
Now, the only remaining work is covering the six-inch bolts ready for the future installation of the pergola. Mr. Bruschi said the bolts must be protected to make the plaza safe for public use, but he said he did not know when the pergola would be added.
The setting of a date for the formal dedication of the plaza also still is pending.
Meanwhile, new residences above the plaza are filling up.
Herb Abelson said he and his wife, Fay, have moved into their fourth-floor apartment in Witherspoon House, the mixed-use building that overlooks the plaza. Mr. Abelson said he is looking forward to the opening of the plaza.
All 24 apartments in Witherspoon House have been leased, said Dianne Bleacher, residential property manager at N.T. Callaway, the Nassau Street-based real estate broker that is leasing and managing the new rental units. Eighteen of the units are now occupied by tenants, and Ms. Bleacher said all will be in use by Aug. 1.
She said tenants are eager for the plaza and lower-level restaurant and store to open, but construction has not been a concern as the units are well-insulated.
On the ground floor of Witherspoon House, the upscale clothing and cosmetics boutique Rouge will soon arrive. Owner Paige Petersen said the contractor she hired has just begun work on her store’s new space.
Ms. Petersen said she hopes to open Rouge in mid-July as work is slated to take four to six weeks. She expressed excitement about the final look of her space.
"It will be like nothing in Princeton," she said. "Very New York, very Soho."
Marlyn Zucosky and Francine Besselaar of the Princeton-based Westcott Studio designed the store. They said the space is loft-like, with white walls and concrete floors. They plan to add bright colors and natural materials, such as bamboo.
Additionally, they will use custom millwork for the product displays and the checkout, and the store will have removable display racks, so Ms. Peterson can host fashion shows.
"We wanted to create a neutral but stimulating environment," Ms. Zucosky said.
The Witherspoon Grill restaurant is planned for the ground floor as well. Owner Jack Morrison, who also owns the Blue Point Grill and Nassau Seafood Market, was not available for comment.