Overview

The Rutgers University—Newark Alumni Center combined the renovation and adaptive use of the historic 19thcentury Fewsmith Residence with a compatible, yet contemporary, new addition. The project restored the building’s most character-defining historic features – a curved marble stair and checkered entrance floor, a domed plaster ceiling, travertine walls, and stately fireplaces – while providing accessibility upgrades and modern programming. The design adhered to the university’s design standards and to LEED Silver certification criteria.

The Alumni Center design revitalized a building important to Newark’s history and the fabric of its downtown. The project established a new home for alumni resources and activities, housing both the alumni relations and development offices to promote a deeper connection between alumni engagement and philanthropy. In addition to providing resources and spaces for alumni, the building supports the university’s connection to Newark by offering space rentals to community members and organizations. The project, opened in Fall 2018, was led by Mills+ Schnoering Architects, LLC.

Building History

The property at 47 Central Avenue in the historic James Street Commons neighborhood was built c. 1881-1889 for prominent Newark physician Dr. Joseph Fewsmith to serve as his home and office. The architecture was likely the work of William Halsey Wood, a noted Newark ecclesiastical architect, whose practice was at its height during the 1880s. Much of the building’s architectural character remained intact. The Queen Anne building is rectangular in plan with defining features such as multi-gabled roofs and a curved corner bay. A sandstone foundation and details accent the red-brick exterior. On the interior, significant historic details include a dramatic circular stair, checkered marble flooring, and travertine walls in the entry hall; fireplaces on the first and second floors; and decorative plasterwork.

Restoration and Reuse

The 4,882-square-foot restoration scope of work required consultation with and approval by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, City of Newark Landmarks & Historic Preservation Commission, and the Historic James Street Commons Neighborhood Association. The most character-defining architectural features were restored, including the building’s brick and sandstone exterior. Although original architectural drawings were unavailable, archival research provided context and representative details for areas of repair or replacement. The grand decorative circular stair and its metal handrail were preserved. The original travertine walls in the main stairway were cleaned, repointed, restored, and patched as appropriate. Much of the wood trim was repaired and retained; in areas where trim had been removed by a prior owner, replacement pieces were designed to match. Existing wood fireplace surrounds were complemented by period appropriate pieces purchased from architectural salvage. The pocket doors are a similar combination of originals and replacements. All of the windows were replaced with high quality wood double-glazed windows for historical accuracy and energy efficiency. Decorative domed plaster ceilings, moldings, and medallions – some featuring celestial icons and fantastical animals and birds – were preserved.

Expansion and Connection

Students, alumni, and user groups participated in discussions to inform the design and programming. An expansion was necessary both to fit the university’s desired program and accommodate necessary ADA upgrades.

A new 2,427-square-foot addition to the north of the original building replaced a non-historic garage structure in deteriorated condition. The addition respects the existing architecture in scale and material while introducing a more contemporary visual vocabulary. It was a deliberate design decision not to replicate or mimic but to craft a building expansion that is both compatible and distinct. Comprising alternating bays of glass and masonry, with cast stone complementing the color and texture of the historic brickwork, the addition was designed to be light-filled and welcoming. The addition enabled an accessible entrance and new vertical circulation, including an elevator and fire stairs. The lobby serves as the “front porch” gathering area for alumni, students, staff, and community members.

Sustainability

The renovation and expansion project for the Alumni Center was designed to LEED Silver standards. Sustainable design features include water-conserving plumbing fixtures, smart lighting controls, the addition of roof insulation for improved HVAC efficiency, an energy efficient curtain wall on the addition, and storm water management. The integration of these features favorably impacts long-term operating expenses, the building’s carbon footprint, and the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

It should be noted that the reuse of an existing structure creates less impact on the environment than most new construction, and the building had several inherently sustainable features. The thermal mass of the existing masonry walls helps reduce heating and cooling loads. The building’s location in a downtown district provides walkable access to amenities and public transportation. Existing large, operable windows allow daylight and ventilation to reach most spaces.

Project Significance

The Rutgers University—Newark Alumni Center is among several James Street Commons buildings that have been preserved or enlivened in recent years. The project complements the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, adaptive use of 15 Washington Street for student housing and event space, the second phase of construction of the Life Sciences Building, opening of a new college walk from Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard to Military Park, and a new campus and community hub within the former Hahne & Co. Department Store. The combined effort strengthens Newark’s rich cultural heritage and reinforces the university’s connection to the city. The Alumni Center’s programming will build upon relationships not only with Rutgers alumni and supporters but also with local residents.

The re-activation of a prominent site, restoration of an architecturally significant and intact historic structure, and expansion with a contemporary addition combine to reinforce and integrate the fabric of the campus and surrounding community.