Prospect House, known also as just Prospect, is a historic house on the Princeton University campus in Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States. Built in 1851, it is a fine example of the work of architect John Notman who helped popularize Italianate architecture in America.[3] Notable residents include Woodrow Wilson during his tenure as president of the university. The building now serves as a faculty club. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985 for its architecture and historic associations.
Prospect House | |
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| Location | Princeton University campus, Princeton, New Jersey |
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| Coordinates | 40°20′48.95″N 74°39′24.37″W / 40.3469306°N 74.6567694°W |
| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1851 |
| Architect | John Notman |
| Architectural style | Italian Villa |
| Part of | Princeton Historic District (ID75001143) |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002434[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | February 4, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | February 4, 1985[2] |
| Designated CP | June 27, 1975 |
Description and history
editProspect House stands on the Princeton University campus, between the Princeton University Art Museum and Washington Street. It stands on 5 acres (2.0 ha) of landscaped grounds that are a remnant of a once-larger estate. The house is a two-story stone structure, built out of rustically cut sandstone, with a three-story tower at one end, and a single-story service wing. The roofs are low-pitch hip roofs, with broad eaves decorated with brackets. The main facade has a central stone porte-cochere topped by a balustrade. Flanking this are slightly projecting bays, featuring matching second-story balconies. A modern dining room addition, designed by Warren Platner, extends to the rear.[3]
Prospect House was built in 1851-52 for Thomas Fuller Potter. Prior to its construction, the site had been that of a farm whose house had hosted George Washington both during and after the American Revolutionary War. The new house was designed by John Notman, a Scottish architect based in Philadelphia who is credited with introducing the Italianate style of architecture to the United States.[3]
In 1878, it was acquired by brothers Alexander and Robert Stuart, who gave it to the College of New Jersey, which became Princeton University and served as the house of the school president. Woodrow Wilson, the third Princeton president to live here, was resident from 1902 to 1911, when he became Governor of New Jersey en route to becoming President of the United States.[3]
On February 10, 1913, Thomas J. Preston Jr., a professor of archeology at Princeton University, married Frances Folsom Cleveland, the widow of President Grover Cleveland at Prospect House.[4]
In 1968, the president's official residence was moved to another house, and Prospect House was adapted for use as a private clubhouse for the university faculty.[5]
It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1985.[2][3]
Gallery
edit- Sculpture
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Centaur by Dimitri Hadzi (1954) -
Titan by Michele Oka Doner (2004)
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- Garden
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The garden from the house -
English yew tree
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
- ^ a b "Prospect". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on February 25, 2009. Retrieved September 8, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Prospect (pdf), National Park Service and Accompanying photos, exterior and interior (32 KB)
- ^ "Frances Folsom Cleveland Weds. Widow of Former President Grover Cleveland Becomes Bride of Thomas J. Preston. Ceremony Is Performed At Princeton Today". The Marion Star. Marion, Ohio. February 10, 1913. p. 1. Retrieved November 13, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Prospect House History". Princeton University. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
External links
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