Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton NJ

For Historic Morven, Inc.

Heritage Landscapes worked on planning and implementation projects with Historic Morven and respected colleagues from 2010 to 2018 to plan and carry out restoration and rehabilitation projects. Our work included:

  • Historic Morven Landscape Master Plan history, resource documentation, analysis
  • Morven Landscape Preservation and Interpretation Plan to preserve and enhance visitor experience
  • Secure local and state approvals to implement the plan
  • Collaborate on construction to adapt Robert Woods Johnson Modernist Pool
  • Collaborate on new Interpretive Center landscape construction

This National Historic Landmark property evolved from colonial times, the residence of a Declaration of Independence signer, the Stockton family, Governor’s Residence and Robert Woods Johnson home. The master planning efforts seek to preserve historic assets and features and renew the landscape illustrating this evolved cultural landscape, for engaging, high-quality visitor experience. The restored Modernist pool house is accompanied by a fountain pool that replicates the deteriorated pool apple shape and edge paving while providing jets and water play for family visitors and addresses safety in use with slip resistance and little water depth.
The new Interpretive Center set to the north side, provides learning, convening and exhibition space for the Morven community with views and close proximity to the historic structures and gardens with accessible paths for ease of movement. The landscape around the center frames it into the property. Entry drives and parking were thoughtfully adapted for recapture of a garden and orchard area, bus movements, and stormwater management in a rain garden.

WORKS Morven Interpretive Center Landscape Construction Documents and CA, 2018; Pool House and Pool Construction, 2015; Interpretive Center & Landscape Master Plan and Approvals, 2012; Morven Museum & Garden Master Plan, 2010

TEAM:

Heritage Landscapes,Interpretive Center, GWWO, Inc./Architects, Pool House and Pool, Ronnie Bregenzer, Architect, Archaeology