Group Outlines Plan to Save the Former Valley Road School

Residents hoping to transform the former Valley Road School into a hub for local non-profit agencies unveiled its proposal to Princeton Borough Council on Tuesday.

“It’s time for Princeton to have a center for non-profit organizations that serve the community and we’re ready to go,” said Kip Cherry, president of the Valley Road School Community Center, Inc.

Princeton’s Board of Education is evaluating what to do with the former school building on Witherspoon Street.

Cherry’s organization has submitted one proposal while Princeton borough and township officials have submitted another in the hopes of demolishing the former school to make room for fire and rescue facilities.  

Under Cherry’s proposal, which would save the building from demolition, tenants could sign long-term leases, share space or rent one-time conference or performance space.

No tax dollars would be used and the annual building operations would be funded by an estimated $11 per square foot rent, Cherry said, adding that the cost to fix the building would come from grants and private donations.

The former school, built around 1918 is a local landmark and part of a cultural corridor along Witherspoon Street that helps to tie Princeton Township and Princeton Borough together, she said. 

The building features limestone arches and conices and also has thick walls, wide halls and large windows. It is in good shape, she said. 

“This whole effort is to preserve a building that is a huge asset to the community,” said Dan Preston, a member of the Valley Road School- Adaptive Reuse Committee and president of Princeton Community Television, which has offices at the former school.

Cherry said the 15,500 square-foot school building, once renovated, would feature offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, a TV studio, book storage and two theatres/multipurpose space. 

The first two of five renovation phases are estimated to cost about $300,000 and include a new boiler, roof repairs, downspout and bathroom repairs, mold, air and water testing, a new smoke detection alarm system and a long-range facilities plan. 

Future costs would depend on the scope of the work, but would likely include new bathrooms, elevator, theater and renewable energy systems, Cherry said.

The group currently has $10,000 in donations.

Nearly two dozen organizations have already expressed interest in leasing space in the building, including a theatre group, dance studio, nursery school and school enrichment program, Cherry said.

Some tenants have said they would be willing to move in before the renovations are complete, Preston said.

The building could also accommodate Corner House, a counseling center for teens and young adults combating substance abuse and family crises. The center is currently located in the former school building.

Borough council members praised Cherry and her group for their work on the proposal.

“I want to commend the group for all of your hard work,” councilwoman Jo Butler said.

The group is scheduled to preent their proposal to the school board on July 14.