Not only will residents be able to enjoy a new recreational and cultural facility soon, but it will cost less for the township to construct it.
Mayor Peter Cantu told a group of business owners who met at the Princeton Windrows on April 19 that he is expecting grant money from the county to help fund a project that will transform the township’s former library complex into a community recreation center.
The renovation of the 19,200-square-foot existing structure and the plaza surrounding it could cost up to $4.7 million, officials estimated last year. Most of the work will include improvements like installing a new roof and new siding. “The bulk of those costs are improvements that were required,” said Cantu. “The building needs to be updated.”
However, there is also $1.5 million needed to modify the building to accommodate recreational and cultural activities. “I’m pleased to report that I’ve gotten an application to Middlesex County, and I’m told that within the next three weeks or so, there will be a grant on their agenda granting us $1.5 million to offset the costs of the recreational and cultural components of that project.”
Plans call for a revamping of the outside landscape and renovation of the former library facility that will create meeting rooms, a cooking area, computer training rooms, a drop-in center that can be accessed after hours, bulk storage areas, a painting and crafts room, and a large space in the center of the library that can seat up to 220 people for lectures and other activities. The central space in the existing facility will be used for arts and enrichment programs. The space can be used for art displays, lecture series, stand-alone displays, concerts, and other activities.
Plans also call for modification of storm drainage. Low, drought-tolerant planting material will also replace the tall canopy trees that currently block visibility of the plaza. Officials will keep the existing entrance ramp but will provide a longer ramp. Walls will also need to be repaired.
An important feature of the building will be the drop-in center, an isolated space off to the side of the building upon entering. The drop-in center will be used for community groups like seniors, special needs groups, children, exercise classes, and social activities for large groups. The bathrooms will also be modified to meet ADA requirements.
The new facility will also feature new lighting, ceilings, and heating and air conditioning units. The existing roof will also need to be replaced, and work will need to be done to the windows and doors.
Global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk has already donated $75,000 toward the project.
Cantu said the project has been out to bid once. “There was a flaw in the bid process,” he said. “It’s been pulled back and re-bid, and we anticipate that project to be compete this year.” Construction is estimated to take between 10 and 12 months.
