Initial planning and review of the Community Design Center Mission, budget and development in 2025 is under way. Stay tuned for more updates and information.

I am a recently retired architect with more than 50 years experience in the design of housing, schools, preservation, and sustainability. I am the volunteer Director of CUBE- the Center for Understanding the Built Environment. It focuses on observing, visualizing, and enhancing the design of communities. As a 501-C-3 not-for-profit, CUBE could be the catalyst for establishing a Community Design Center in Princeton.

The Community Design Center would be a space where residents and visitors can learn about and provide comments on design issues and opportunities around town. Small group conversations could lead to creating design suggestions and proposals. The location of the Center ideally would be in an easily accessible storefront space in or near the center of town.

Potential topics would include the design of public spaces, and new and adaptive reuse designs that could enhance the attractiveness and livability of our neighborhoods. Lighting, signage, plantings, seating, building materials, colors, height all influence overall design success. Sharing in a public venue could also be helpful to broader communication amongst decision makers.

Small groups and individuals are welcome to take part in the design center. It would encourage open exchange of ideas regarding how design can enhance our town center and neighborhoods.

Please share your thoughts and suggestions on this.

Kirk Gastinger, FAIA

252 Guyot Avenue 816 585 8916 kirkgastinger@gmail.com

Community Design Center / A Mission Statement

21 April 2025

A public venue where people can visit,  discuss and share their thoughts regarding planned and future community design projects. 

Design challenges and opportunities exist in many parts of town. Designs are put forward and developed each year.  A public voice, through the Center, could influence future potential projects and  final reviews & approvals by public organizations and agencies. 

Partners in the Center would include organizations with similar community missions such as safety, landscape, preservation, aesthetics, walkability, transportation options, neighborhood characteristics, building and urban design. Participation could range from mutual staffing, lending expertise,  to communication and funding. 

Communication is a fundamental aspect and tool of the Center. Face to face, written, visual [drawings, photographs] and media all play an important part in a ‘community conversation’ and in developing community visions.  

Location would ideally be near the center of the walkable areas of Princeton. A friendly, inviting,  atmosphere for discussion, review of documents, a cup of coffee, a place to leave a comment. Start small: 4-7 days or one afternoon and one evening per week. Possibly open in the fall of 2025.

Budget to start at $5,000 for the initial period with fundraising and grant applications to continue. 

Other initial thoughts, activities on establishing a Center:

• Work on lowering design barriers for people who are thinking to develop or move in Princeton

• How about a model/drawing area where proposed design projects could be shown, displayed?

• Provide people with a preliminary meeting or concept review that would help them understand the process in going before the zoning/board. If appropriate refer them to designers, builders, contractors, carpenters, landscapers, painters, etc. 

                                   CUBE [The Center for Understanding the Built Environment] could provide public participation through the website. See  https://cube-education.org/ 

CONTACT / Kirk Gastinger, FAIA   kirkgastinger@gmail.com   816.585.8916