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Hillier Honored with ULI Legacy Award

By Christine Antonelli
                        HILLIER HONORED WITH URBAN LAND INSTITUTE LEGACY AWARD
PRINCETON, NJ, 03/13/13 – Architect J. Robert Hillier was awarded the 75th Anniversary Legacy Award from the New Jersey Chapter of the Urban Land Institute.  Other honorees included Prudential Insurance Company, Johnson & Johnson, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.  Hillier was honored for his record in land conservation, his creation of affordable housing and housing that is affordable, and his worldwide portfolio of architectural projects. 
In the town of Princeton, Hillier has been instrumental in the preservation of 320 acres of land including Coventry Farm and Mountain Lakes.  Copperwood, his project on Bunn Drive, will result in 17 acres of preserved land while still providing much-needed senior housing for 153 families.
At The Waxwood, Hillier converted the former Quarry Street school into 34 apartment units including three affordable units and five “Foundation” units wherein the Foundation created by Mr. Hillier provides the 20% down payment for individuals or their offspring who have lived in the John Witherspoon area for at least five years.  Because of its significance as one of the first schools in the country to be integrated, The Waxwood is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and, on the exterior, has been restored in complete adherence to the original design.
Before it was merged with a large firm from Scotland, the Hillier firm was the third-largest architectural firm in the country and had received over 300 design awards for its work.  Most recently Mr. Hillier was a member of the design team for the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro and personally designed the Chapel within the hospital, which was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doll.
The Urban Land Institute is a leader in the development of policies leading to smart growth and effective land use.  The Legacy Awards are in celebration of its 75th Anniversary.