Princeton Press - SUN Precast Company

Princeton University Press

Princeton, NJ

Cast Stone Institute 2011 RESTORATION EXCELLENCE Award Winner

Cast Stone Institute 2011 MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE Award Winner

This cast stone restoration project is a complete replacement of the collegiate gothic courtyard entrance at Princeton University. The original arch, erected in 1911, was badly deteriorating and no longer structurally sound, or aesthetically pleasing. Over the years, most of the cast stone had lost their original architectural detail. Sun Precast partnered with Masonry Preservation Group to restore this architectural gem to its original beauty.

The scope includes the complete replacement of the existing ornate Cast Stone structure including the jambs, radius arch with rosettes, decorative panels, towers, and coping.

The role of Cast Stone was to replicate the original exposed aggregate Cast Stone elements, while matching the remaining cast stone that was not being replaced.

The replacement Cast Stone is a perfect replication of the original structure. The intricate architectural details were replicated using sculpting techniques to enhance the original details prior to casting. Using modern reinforcement techniques, the Cast Stone arch was fabricated to be structural and in one- piece, which eliminated numerous joints and connections points, and ultimately will make the structure more durable and extend the service life. Cast Stone served to maintain the historical integrity of the project, yet allowed for the flexibility of design to enhance the structure.