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Community Corner

The Appeal of Downtown City Living Draws A Couple from London to Philadelphia to Princeton's Palmer Square

Dan and Mary Beth Scheid are self-described urban dwellers.  Passionate about the vibrancy, convenience and architectural styles of city settings, the couple lived in London before retiring in 2006 to Philadelphia’s famed Center City District.  While the bustling downtown’s walkable, amenity-rich atmosphere spoke to their urban sensibilities, the classic row house they purchased didn’t offer the ideal layout to age in, leading them to accept that there would be one more move.

 

With their daughter married to a professor at Princeton University and living in Princeton, the Scheids became frequent visitors to the area and quickly fell in love with the town.  At the time, construction was just getting underway on The Residences at Palmer Square, a new collection of luxury multi-story townhomes and expansive single-level condominium flats integrated into the retail landscape of Palmer Square.  The seeds of temptation had been planted.   

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“As soon as the new residences became available, we were the first ones knocking on the door,” said Dan.  “The promise of living in the center of downtown Princeton and being able to walk to everything was very enticing.  It was similar to everything we liked about Center City.”

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The Scheids also embraced the idea of living in a new-construction home that met their classic design aesthetics, but in a more convenient scenario than what they had in Philadelphia.

 

“The floor plan of the Palmer Square townhouse was strikingly similar to our row house, including compatible design details and a classical layout, but with clear advantages,” Dan pointed out.  “A brand new home compared to an 1830’s building meant more efficient space, improved energy efficiency and fewer maintenance issues.  The elevator in the townhouse is also a great convenience.”

 

As one of the first buyers to visit The Residences at Palmer Square, the Scheids were able to walk through numerous homes in various stages of construction, giving them a behind-the-walls view of the bones of each residence.

 

“I believe that the level of quality of what you don’t get to see is the best predictor of the quality of the end result, and we were extremely impressed with the way these homes were being constructed,” Dan said.  “Not surprisingly, the custom finishes, appliances and systems were all well above standard and built to last.”

 

Sold on the area and the homes, the Scheids purchased a three-story townhouse with a basement on Chambers Street.

 

“It’s everything we had hoped for,” said Dan.  “Downtown Princeton offers a best-of-both-worlds living environment that few places can match.  There’s the ease of a comfortable, small-town existence, but it is coupled with an urban vibrancy and international presence that you usually can’t find outside a big city. Princeton also has the advantage of being convenient to both Philadelphia and New York City.  And The Residences at Palmer Square enjoy the best location in Princeton without question.  We regularly attend the McCarter Theatre and Princeton University Art Museum, and love being able to walk to all of the restaurants and shops within Palmer Square and around town.”

 

The Scheid’s requisite for a more maintenance-free style of living has also been met.

 

“When you move into a community of this nature, you worry about how responsive and stable the management will be,” said Dan.  “Since this development is overseen by Palmer Square Management and linked to the entire Palmer Square community and structure, you know you’re going to be well taken care of, and that’s exactly what we’ve experienced.  Everyone is very professional, accommodating and courteous, which adds to the quality of life here.”

 

Located on Paul Robeson Place between Chambers and Witherspoon Streets, The Residences at Palmer Square completes the vision begun by developer Edgar Palmer in 1937 to create a vibrant, European-style town square for Princeton that would include shops, restaurants and residences as a complement to Princeton University.  Taking over where architect Thomas Stapleton’s original Colonial Revival style left off, Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners of Lambertville, NJ, has created a number of distinctive elevations which expertly complement the brick, Federal-style exteriors and Colonial-era structures of the immediate Palmer Square environment. 

 

With 32 unique floor plans in all, buyers have myriad of living alternatives to choose from.  The community’s first phase of homes comprises 25 two- and three-bedroom, single-level flats ranging from 1,623 to 4,130 square feet of living space, priced from $1.245 million to $3.4 million.  The first residential phase also includes 11 two- and three-bedroom, multi-level townhomes ranging from 2,622 to 3,084 square feet priced from $1,775,000 to $2,195,000. 

 

A limited collection of rental residences is also available, with two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 1,623 to 3,195 square feet of living space.  The rental residences are available with monthly rents starting at $4,800.

 

Steel and concrete construction offers the highest level of quality and privacy, while terraces in many homes and lushly-landscaped promenades, courtyards and common areas offer desirable outdoor space.  Homeowners also enjoy indoor parking.

 

Custom interior features and appointments include private elevators and 10-foot first-floor ceiling heights in townhomes, nine-foot ceilings in condominiums, and tray ceilings in living and dining areas and master bedrooms.  Extensive millwork, including striking fireplaces with marble hearths, pocket doors and elegant crown moldings, add style and elegance to the homes.  Gourmet kitchens are notable for maple cabinets, granite countertops and Viking stainless steel appliance packages, while spa-like Master baths feature whirlpool tubs, double sinks, glass showers, and marble countertops.

 

Ideally situated across from the main entrance of Princeton University, Palmer Square allows residents to enjoy Princeton’s cherished suburban ambiance, award-winning public and private schools, renowned university attributes, and world-class entertainment and cultural offerings.  NJ TRANSIT access to New York and Philadelphia (and beyond) is only a short walk from The Residences at Palmer Square, and businesses and shopping venues of the nearby Route 1 corridor are also within easy reach.

 

For upscale dining and shopping, Palmer Square features more than 40 brand-name stores, boutiques, restaurants and specialty food shops, as well as the historic Nassau Inn -- all ideally situated in a pedestrian-friendly setting.

 

For additional information on The Residences at Palmer Square and to make a private appointment to view fully-furnished townhome and single-level model homes, please call

609-924-3884, or visit www.palmersquareresidences.com. The sales center hours are 10-6pm Monday through Friday, and 11am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.  The sales center is located at 112 Victoria Mews in Princeton.   

 

 

  

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