Friday Shoot Out! Architecture

~ Princeton University ~
Princeton, New Jersey















This weeks theme for Friday Shoot Out was architecturally speaking to me, because it gave me a chance to take a cool walk, and for the most part, present a 'drive-by' photo opportunity of the town I call home. I am not expert in the field of structural design, but I love quaint little towns; whether I visit or decide to reside permanently...

As you take the drive down the center street leading into Princeton, you might feel as though you have become royalty as the trees stand at a welcoming attention...












Once you enter Nassau Street, the main road that ties Route 206 and Route 27, leading north and south, you begin to see busy streets; that remain busy, even after rush hour...

I love history, architecture, and walking along city streets that are full of both. What a better place to photograph. Princeton, New Jersey was the icing on the cake that brought me to this state. With its history dating back before the 1700's, the town has been integrated into Princeton University's being.

I could not take a picture of every building, every home, every interesting piece of work that is dotted all about this city (way to many, so come visit), but hopefully this will give you a feel for what you should experience yourself one day...















You can arrive from almost any destination by train; just get off at the Princeton Junction depot, and hop on the small two section commuter into the Princeton University depot.

Once off the train, walk up and down, in and out each charming street and become a peripatetic student...(pertaining to the philosophy taught by Aristotle; who gave his instructions while walking in the Lyceum at Athens, or to his followers)...

















I find aged patina trim on some of the oldest structures so fascinating. The green tinge up against the stone of beige, red and browns...














HISTORY: Princeton University is a private university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League and is considered one of the Colonial Colleges. It is widely regarded as one of the world's leading universities.

Founded in 1746 at Elizabeth, New Jersey, as the College of New Jersey, it was moved to Princeton in 1756 and renamed "Princeton University" in 1896.The present-day The College of New Jersey in nearby Ewing, New Jersey, is an unrelated institution.)

With the influence of its involvement with The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church from the beginning (was designed originally to be a seminary college, and seminary advancement), many of the buildings have a cathedral feel to them. The full seminary college now resides a few miles up north off of a side road that is off Forestall Village Road...













Buildings like the one above are used for student housing, and are located on the south east side, off Alexander Street (just south of Washington), and move upward to Route 206. A few blocks more and you might stumble upon 'The Princeton Garden Project'. A place started two years ago to provide food for the dining halls and has been growing by leaps and bounds...












This laboratory built and used on campus has a north European feel to its exterior...






















This actual yellow house remains one of the Presbyterian Church operated student homes...















Many campus buildings have Neo-gothic archways and lanterns, but you must enter through one of these archways to begin weaving inside more of the universities interior buildings...




















Much of the original cathedral stone theme was incorporated to the newer buildings over the years, but you can still see subtle difference in details in color and styles. As time marches on brick buildings, use of the surrounding homes, and even modernism has given its mixed match architecture charm to the city...















This is one of the most modern structures, with it's whimsical metal roof; it is located with in the campus grounds just off Washington Road(s)... (above/below)...


























Many of the wealthy that resided here in the early 18oo's either sold or donated their properties to the university over time. The homes north west of the town center remain privately owned...















German influences remain in much of the town center. The Hamilton Jewelers building (free publicity, and on right) is one of my favorites. At the corner of Witherspoon and Nassau Street its German Tudor style decor is what I feel makes it stand out.

Princeton town center is the hub of socializing for students and residents in the area. So many charming streets full of shops, Victorian style homes, churches, and even new resurrected businesses can captivate, or even distract you from its over crowded streets while driving...















The weather has a bit sketchy over the past few weeks, and today is no different. Warm morning, with hints of the sun, but by the afternoon the clouds roll in and temperatures drop bringing in some refreshing relief, but a poor condition for my photography (lol, maybe not a professional)...










The universities Dining Halls are well known on campus. My husbands oldest sister is part of the alumni and it has given me an opportunity to see what each building holds inside when she returns each year for a variety of gatherings.















The buildings fly the orange and black flag of the school, and is also the team color fly outside one of the dining hall/social centers.















Many homes like this line the town center, as well as out lining streets. They are for rent to students as well as any one who can appreciate, and prefers a quieter life outside of its bordering New York City and Philadelphia neighbors.




























Many of the homes are built in a modern brick to Victorian style wood frame structure...

















I will leave you with the thought of possible ghost sightings; stories from students and residents, possibly those who just would like to remain and enjoy what once was, as I...

Disclaimer: No one was hurt during the photo drive-by shotings...

Over at Midlife, Menopause, Mistakes and Random Stuff; she and others like Gordon @ Friday Shoot Out share in a Friday Shoot Out Challenge, as well as a few others...go check them out!

Next weeks theme- Gardens, and what a lovely one too!