New performance spaces to open for students in the fall of 2017

The University has already begun construction on what will be the largest building project in its history, the Arts and Transit Neighborhood. The 22-acre development will consist of several rehearsal and performance spaces for the arts located in the Alexander corridor.

Because the development will involve relocating Dinky station 460 feet southward, the project has provoked objections from local residents and officials over the multi-year process of obtaining legal approval. University officials announced on Feb. 12 that the project will cost a total of $330 million. This figure is 10 percent higher than the cost of $300 million that University officials have estimated in the past.

Contrary to reporting by other outlets, University Assistant Vice President for Facilities, Design and Construction Anne St. Mauro said that the costs associated with the project had not truly increased. The lower figure that was cited for the cost in previous months was only a very rough estimate, she said.

“When something’s in very early planning, you will use a round number; you may use a range. This has just gotten more refined,” Mauro said. “The cost has not gone up.”

University Vice President and Secretary Robert Durkee ’69 confirmed St. Mauro’s statement that the recent figure was simply a more refined estimate, not the result of previously unforeseen costs.

As a result of the construction, Dinky rail service will be interrupted for one week in July 2013 while the temporary platform is under construction. While the Dinky is not in operation, NJ Transit will run an express bus to ferry passengers between Princeton Station and Princeton Junction.

While Dinky service is running from the temporary platform, the University will continue to run express bus service between Princeton Junction and the site of the current Dinky station.

Durkee explained that the University chose to continue the bus service to relieve pedestrians of walking the additional distance to reach the temporary platform. The temporary platform, he said, will be located about 1,000 feet south of the existing station.

Passengers taking the express bus will purchase a normal NJ Transit ticket for the Dinky fare. While the University will shoulder the cost of running the bus, NJ Transit will collect the revenue from the fares.