With large advancements in telescope and observatory technologies, the Department of Astrophysics at Princeton University, one of the most respected in the world, sought improvements and expansions to its existing facilities. Originally designed in 1966 by Minoru Yamasaki, architect of the original World Trade Center, Peyton Hall had found itself 40 years into the building’s life with new needs beyond what the original layout could accommodate.

After analysis, Ford 3 reworked an unused observation dome and an underutilized on-site library into eleven offices, an elevator, a fire stair, and a department common area. The observation dome was repurposed as a crown jewel for a state-of-the-art meeting room.

The project included life safety and accessibility improvements throughout the entire 34,355 sf building. 

In a separate project, Ford 3 architects led the team for a HVAC replacement project and renovated substantial portions of the ground floor into a suite for a research team.