The new mixed-income development 30 Mac, which opened its doors in Princeton last summer, has been fully occupied for months now — tenants have moved into all 10 units, including the two earmarked as affordable housing.
Now, according to integrated design firm JZA+D, which designed the adaptive reuse project, the former Masonic temple at 30 Maclean Street has just been awarded gold-level certification under the LEED for Homes standard for green buildings.
Joshua Zinder, architect and managing partner of JZA+D, spearheaded the project for development group Princeton Maclean Partners LLC, transforming the historic Aaron Lodge No. 9 originally built in 1924, according to information provided by the C.C. Sullivan marketing firm.
“Our goal was to introduce much-needed new residential units to this significant neighborhood while making 30 Mac a sustainable, environmentally-minded experience for residents and neighbors,” Zinder said in the statement. “At the same time, we wanted to preserve a locally iconic building, venerating the classic distinction of this historic neighborhood.”
To realize an eco-friendly development, the design of the 7,600-square-foot residence includes high-efficiency mechanical systems, lighting and plumbing fixtures — and then goes much further by incorporating features that take advantage of the walkable neighborhood just a few minutes from Princeton’s downtown, according to the statement. For example, a bicycle storage room in the elevator tower appended to one side of the building encourages residents to drive less.
The design also includes sustainable landscaping with new trees and plantings and a shared patio area.
Additionally, adaptive reuse of existing buildings is itself a super-green design practice.
“By reusing wood, concrete and steel, we are avoiding much of the impact on the environment that comes with new construction,” said Zinder, who is currently serving a one-year term as president of AIA New Jersey, the state’s professional association for architects. “In this case we were able to combine reuse with historic preservation to retain the look of the original facade, restoring or recreating many of the original architectural details.”
Inside, the gut renovation introduced units of varying sizes and floor plans including some split-level apartments, appointed with contemporary materials and finishes such as solid oak floors, Quartz countertops, and energy- and water-efficient fixtures and appliances, according to the statement.
Reclaimed timber from 30 Maclean is being treated and reused in a limited-release offering of furniture designed by JZA+D — the Maclean Collection will be available soon through local retailer Homestead, which has a location in Princeton, according to the statement.