Rutgers University’s Institutional Planning & Operations division continues to breathe life into Camden’s Cooper Street Historic District. The new Cooper Street Gateway project, for which construction documents are currently being prepared, will include the renovation of 11 townhouses along the 400 block of Cooper and Lawrence Streets.

Susan Ryan, Project Architect and Historic Architect for IP&O’s Planning, Development, and Design group oversaw the initial programming and schematic design of the project, and worked with both state and local preservation offices to secure their approvals. Tom Rosenkilde, Senior Facilities Project Manager for Project Services, is now managing the project as it moves closerto construction, while Ryan remains involved in the historical preservation aspects. The Architect is Clarke Caton Hintz. “It is not feasible to restore the interiors  to their original state, as there are almost no traces left of the historical layouts, finishes or details,” said Rosenkilde. “Instead, we will preserve the exteriors, construct a new addition behind the buildings, and interconnect them into one new 50,000 square foot structure.”

The resultant space will house about 80 private offices, about 80 open “hoteling”-style work stations, conference rooms, a faculty lounge, and miscellaneous support spaces. It will primarily be occupied by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the largest academic unit at Rutgers University—Camden. “The jewel of this project will be a large event space with an outdoor courtyard,” Rosenkilde explained. Designed to accommodate a variety of events, the space will feature a pre-function lobby, sophisticated audio-visual equipment, and even a commercial catering kitchen.