By: centraljersey.com
J. Robert Hillier, with support from Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman and community representative Jim Floyd, broke open a wall at 190 Witherspoon St. to signify the start of the property’s redevelopment.
Mr. Hillier plans to renovate the properties from 190 to 198 Witherspoon. The project, will eventually house 6,800 square feet of office space at 194 Witherspoon and 2,058 square feet of retail space and a similar amount of residential space on the second floors of 190 and 198 Witherspoon.
The living quarters are expected to be four apartment units, including three one-bedroom apartments and one studio apartment. Two of the units will meet affordable housing requirements.
"We are extremely enthusiastic about this project and believe that it will further enhance what is a wonderful neighborhood and community," Mr. Hillier said in a press release.
The plan, which includes 35 parking spaces through a cross-easement with the Waxwood Condominiums – also owned by Mr. Hillier, was developed through meetings with members of the John Witherspoon community, according to the release.
The entire project will be of sustainable design, the release said, implementing many Green Building practices. The project will have a sod roof, natural light monitors, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and two grass paver parking spaces. The interiors will include Energy-Star appliances, dual-flush lavatories and energy-efficient lighting.
Mr. Hillier is the principal and founder of J. Robert Hillier, a firm that designs and develops projects "that meet a community need, enhance the neighborhood in which they exist, and represent the very best in architectural and sustainable design while delivering a reasonable return to their investors."

