PRINCETON, NJ — The new 74-acre West Windsor Lake Campus, or Lake Campus, at Princeton University has broken ground, expanding the university onto land parcels directly across Lake Carnegie from the main campus. The Lake Campus will soon offer sustainability-minded, housing, recreation, and athletic facilities.

The Lake Campus joins the university’s East Campus development, currently under construction, as part of the university’s goal to support their academic mission by providing the necessary spaces for a variety of living, teaching, and research endeavors. The design of the campus also considers future expansion opportunities for research, academic, and convening spaces.

In attendance at the groundbreaking were representatives from Princeton University, public officials, and team members from consultant firms and contractors. The ceremony included remarks from Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber, Executive Vice President Treby Williams, Vice President of Facilities KyuJang Whang, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, and West Windsor Mayor Hemant Marathe. Other members of the university’s administration, officials from Mercer County and West Windsor, and additional client consultant team members were in attendance. Representing VHB was Vladimir Wojno-Oranski, David McIntyre, Nat Grier, Andrew Cheng, and Chris Longo.

The groundbreaking follows an extensive planning and design effort more than five years in the making. VHB has been involved with the project since it began and provided civil engineering, transportation planning, traffic engineering, natural resources, and permitting services.

"It is truly gratifying to have reached this historic milestone while supporting Princeton with this ambitious undertaking. We have enjoyed partnering with a world-class multidisciplinary design team to bring Lake Campus to this point and look forward to supporting its growth in the years ahead," said McIntyre, Senior Vice President and Principal-in-Charge for the project.

The development is designed to contribute to Princeton’s sustainability goals, which include Complete Streets design, stormwater management, green infrastructure, and net-zero carbon emissions. The university is seeking LEED and Passive House certifications for the new buildings. The Lake Campus is estimated to be completed by Spring 2024.