Final construction work on the ‘Residences at Palmer Square’.

In an earlier post, we noted that Princeton’s famous Palmer Square was still a work in progress, with construction continuing to the present day. We decided to take a look at the ‘Residences at Palmer Square‘, a complex of new condos and townhomes that is approaching completion around Palmer Square.

The Residences have several advantages, and a couple of disadvantages. On the positive side, we can say that these buildings have been built to an outstandingly high standard and represent a fantastic addition to the built environment of central Princeton. As these buildings are likely to be around for many years, Princeton can be thankful that Palmer Square Management LLC chose an ambitious plan to construct something that is pure quality. The complex features many highly-desirable features, as you might expect from a development targeted at the luxury end of the market.

The Residences at Palmer Square also offers the possibility for people to live right by stores, offices and the university. They are the quintessential walkable community, enabling people to live much of their life without getting in a car.

As we noted earlier this week, Princeton is facing tax headwinds that could see our tax bills increase in coming years. The construction of the Residences at Palmer Square has provided Princeton with townhouses and condos with a huge taxable value. Given the extraordinary price of these units, their assessed value is likely to be very high, offering Princeton a substantial and consistent revenue stream to offset the apparently ever-increasing expenses that local taxpayers are expected to support. Put simply, if you’re a Princeton tax-payer, these buildings save you money, even if you can’t afford to live here.

On the other hand, although rentals are strong at the Residences, several of the townhome and condo units have not yet sold. Critics of the development have jumped on this as a sign that the entire project was misguided, but it is hardly surprising that sales might be a little slow when we consider that we are emerging from the worst property crash since the Great Depression and the units start at $1.2 million.

Finally, the Residences at Palmer Square offer something truly outstanding for the wealthy in our community, but do very little to enhance affordability in Princeton. The Council deserve credit for enabling this project to go through, as it brings walkability, housing choice and tax ratables, but (as we have said before) we need to do much more to provide options for people on moderate incomes in our community. That will require other projects at other sites in the town.

The Residences viewed from Paul Robeson Place (click photo for enlarged view)

Viewed from the north from the junction of Paul Robeson Place and John Street, the Residences at Palmer Square appear as a 3-level complex in a traditional architectural style. While some critics have argued that the project is ‘towering’ and ‘condescends’ to its neighbors, anyone walking down Paul Robeson Place would agree that the project actually fits harmoniously into its setting.

Interior Plaza at ‘Victoria Mews’

Exploring the interior of the ‘Residences’ complex, we find delightful courtyards, where access to residential units is afforded through a secluded mews.

Traditional design

The style of the Residences at Palmer Square is traditional. There is no ambitious modern styling here, but that seems appropriate, given that this is the final culmination of the Palmer Square development, which commenced in the 1930s.

Re-enact Romeo and Juliet with your personal balcony

Many of the units in the Residences have their own private balconies, a really nice touch, which could be used to take the air on a cool fall evening.

Quality construction

Looking around the development, we see that quality construction materials have been used throughout. These units have been designed to have the feel of luxury and to stand the test to time.

Palmer Square and all the amenities of downtown Princeton are on your doorstep.

If real estate is mostly ‘location, location, location’ then the Residences at Palmer Square are in for an auspicious future. All the good stuff in downtown Princeton is footsteps away. These units are near the action, but at the same time offer a degree of privacy and seclusion that is highly desirable.

Going up: Workers apply the finishing touches to new condos.

Right now, the finishing touches are being applied to the last phase of construction around the Residences at Palmer Square. The project should be completed some time this year.

Parking is tucked away in this underground facility

Although these units offer the possibility of a highly walkable lifestyle, residents will be able to keep a personal vehicle in the parking garage, tucked away out of site in an underground facility with access from Chambers Terrace.