Princeton’s Nelson Glass House Takes Top Honor At NJ Future Smart Growth Awards

PRINCETON, NJ – The Nelson Glass House has been selected as one of the winner of New Jersey Future's prestigious Smart Growth Award, earning recognition for its innovative approach to addressing the state's housing challenges through thoughtful urban design.

The project was announced Monday as one of seven award-winning developments being honored at New Jersey Future's 23rd annual Smart Growth Awards ceremony, scheduled for Oct. 9 at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.

New Jersey Future praised the Nelson Glass House as "an exemplar of 'missing middle' housing that seamlessly fits into the downtown neighborhood fabric, creating a mix of uses and increased density in an extremely walkable location." The project has been designed by locally focused firm Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design (JZA+D).

The "missing middle" housing concept addresses a critical gap in many American communities – the space between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. These developments typically include duplexes, townhomes, and small apartment buildings that provide more housing options while maintaining neighborhood character.

The Nelson Glass House exemplifies this approach by integrating multiple housing types with commercial or community spaces, all designed to complement the existing urban environment rather than dominate it.

"These projects are not just buildings, they are community anchors and powerful examples of smart growth in action," said Peter Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future. "They demonstrate how public-private collaboration, visionary leadership, and strong local partnerships can create meaningful change."

The award recognizes developments that prioritize walkability, transit access, and sustainable design principles. The Nelson Glass House achieved this by locating in an area where residents can access daily needs on foot, reducing car dependency and supporting local businesses.

The project's mixed-use design creates what urban planners call "activation" – ensuring that streets remain lively throughout the day with both residents and commercial activity. This approach has been shown to improve both economic vitality and public safety in urban neighborhoods.

The site of a former glass-and-aluminum fabrication shop now features six elegant apartments, set atop a reimagined commercial space hosting a coffee counter and a cigar bar.

The nearly 11,000 new square feet of development offers a 1-bedroom, three 2-bedroom, and two 3-bedroom units, including one unit earmarked as affordable housing.

All of them enjoy modern interiors with energy- and water-efficient appliances and fixtures, plus exposed brick and plenty of daylight. Shared amenities include an elevator for ease of access, on-site parking, and bike storage.

This year's Smart Growth Awards honored seven innovative projects across New Jersey, along with a business leader who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to urban redevelopment. The awards highlight developments that are "transforming communities through forward-thinking design, sustainable development, and equitable revitalization."

The recognition comes as New Jersey grapples with housing affordability challenges and seeks solutions that don't require sprawling suburban development. Projects like the Nelson Glass House offer a model for increasing housing supply while preserving community character and environmental resources.

Since 2002, New Jersey Future's Smart Growth Awards have recognized more than 150 projects, plans, and policies that demonstrate sound land use and sustainable development principles. The program spotlights innovation and collaboration that strengthen communities while protecting New Jersey's natural and built environments.

The awards ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, bringing together planners, developers, and community leaders to celebrate these achievements in sustainable development.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com