Architecture | Civic/Institutional
Lawrenceville, NJ
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Highlights
33,184 SF Renovation
5,500 SF Addition
38,684 Total SF
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The existing Municipal Building for the Township of Lawrence has become outdated and under-utilized. The recent completion of the Police & Courts Facility (also by CCH) across the parking lot has left some vacant space in the existing building while some township departments are still located in trailers at the rear of the site. Clarke Caton Hintz was charged with the task of reorganizing the existing plan and designing a small addition in order to bring all remaining departments under one roof.
The exterior walls will remain in place while most interior partitions will come down to make way for the new configuration. Previously hidden columns will be brought to life in new, broader corridors throughout the first floor. A curved masonry wall highlights the main circulation spine in the center of the building and acts to direct users to all of the various departments. A new entry lobby at the south side of the building will provide a spacious gateway to the main circulation spine that links the 2 existing parking lots. Skylights, indirect lighting, and interior glazing help to add light to what was once a dark and disorienting building.
Project phasing is of the utmost importance as the Township will remain in the building during renovations. Close coordination with the owner and contractor will allow the construction process to be completed in 24 months.
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