Princeton University Blair Hall and Buyers Hall
Princeton, New Jersey

Project Description

With construction beginning in 1897, Blair Hall and Buyers Hall were the first of the iconic Collegiate Gothic style dormitories constructed on Princeton University’s campus. Having served as student residence halls for more than a century and a quarter, they were due for a major maintenance campaign. MPG removed and reset all of the heavy limestone parapet and gable copings on the expansive perimeter of the building to install new sheet metal through wall flashings. In addition, MPG performed a multitude of other localized masonry repairs on the facade including stone repointing, joint sealants replacement, limestone patching, stone dutchman, limestone unit replacement, stabilization anchoring, masonry cleaning, as well as repointing and selective brick replacement of several large and highly ornate chimneys. An extensive amount of fixed scaffolding was erected, as well as other methods including hydraulic mast climber units and boom lifts which were also employed in our façade access approach. MPG also removed and replaced a large area of bluestone paving in front of the prominent clock tower, one of the most photographed locations on campus. In addition to Blair and Buyers Halls, MPG has performed similar work scopes on a multitude of buildings, campus wide. We are always honored for the opportunity to participate in the long-term stewardship of these architecturally defining features of campus life and to play an important role in maintaining the buildings’ longevity.