Governors authorize purchase of new residence for Rutgers president
Archived article from Oct 21, 2002
By Mark Maben
Rutgers' Board of Governors approved three resolutions at its Oct. 11 meeting that together pave the way for the development of a visitors complex on the New Brunswick/ Piscataway campus and the relocation of the president's residence.
The board authorized the development of a visitors complex to be located in what is now the president's house at 1245 River Road in Piscataway, close to the newly aligned Route 18. Discussions over the past several years have pointed to the need for a facility that would serve as a welcome center for prospective students and the public, and as a focal point for alumni activities.
At the same time, the university has long been aware that the expansion of Route 18 was likely to make the current president's house unsuitable as a residence. The southeastern corner of the house is only 100 feet from the realigned Route 18 and N.J. Department of Transportation studies show that the decibel levels from traffic will make the building more suitable for public activities than as family living space.
The existing structure will house an information/display hall, meeting rooms and offices, and will be connected to a new dining facility to create a hub of visitor/alumni activity. The Rutgers Club and Campus Information Services are among the units that will relocate to the visitors complex.
"The site is ideally situated for a visitors complex, centrally located in a strategic area overlooking the Raritan River and easily accessible from all campuses and major roadways," said JoAnne Jackson, senior vice president and treasurer, adding that there is ample room for parking and outdoor functions.
Plans for the complex are in the conceptual phase. Development is contingent on the necessary funds being raised through private donations and self-supporting auxiliary operations.
Action was also taken on two resolutions regarding a residence for the university president. The first authorizes the university to begin negotiations to acquire a parcel of property close to the Busch campus, and the second authorizes renovation and expansion of the structures on the property, pending successful completion of negotiations.
The 8.7 acre property at the corner of Hoes Lane and River Road features a classic-style dwelling that has historic ties to the community. The house was built by Cornelius Suydam for his son Charles in the 1740s. If acquired, the university will preserve the dwelling's facade and the property's residential nature.
The project will be funded from private donations and the issuance of Rutgers bonds.
Jackson said that the university had explored a number of locations on campus for this purpose, but preferred to retain those buildings and land for academic use. She explained that the plans for both projects are consistent with the university's ongoing efforts to concentrate academic space and student services on the core campuses while using more peripheral locations for administrative and public functions.
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