Real estate executive John Harrison Streicker, a member of
Princeton's class of 1964, has given the University a gift to fund the
construction of its new pedestrian bridge, which will link the two
halves of the southern part of campus separated by Washington Road.
Streicker Bridge, expected to be completed in 2010, is a key component of Princeton's plan to create a distinct science neighborhood south of Ivy Lane, an area already home to departments ranging from astrophysical sciences to molecular biology.
"This bridge will serve many purposes," said President Shirley M.
Tilghman. "It will stand as a tangible symbol of the cross-disciplinary
collaborations that are central to scientific research and teaching
today, and facilitate pedestrians' safe navigation of campus. We are
tremendously grateful to John Streicker for his thoughtful
generosity."
Streicker, the father of three Princeton alumni -- Margaret Streicker
Porres '97, Michael Streicker '99 and Elizabeth Streicker '02 -- said
he is funding the project in large part to thank the University for the
key role it has played in his family's life. "Because the University
helped bridge two generations in my family, I thought building an
actual bridge was a particularly appropriate way to give back," said
Streicker. "I am thrilled to be part of this important project."
The bridge is being designed by the noted Swiss engineer Christian Menn
in collaboration with the HNTB engineering and design company, whose
lead engineer for the project is Theodore P. Zoli, a member of
Princeton's class of 1988. The 300-foot span will rise about 23 feet
above street level at its highest point, serving as a gateway to the
campus and the community for vehicles traveling north on Washington
Road.
It will link the east side of the campus -- home to a planned new
chemistry building, which is being designed by Hopkins Architects of
London in collaboration with Payette Associates of Boston; the Lewis
Library, designed by Frank Gehry and now under construction; and a
number of other science-related buildings -- with the west side, home
to the Icahn Laboratory, which houses the Lewis-Sigler Institute for
Integrative Genomics, designed by Rafael Viñoly; and new neuroscience
and psychology buildings to be designed by José Rafael Moneo. It also
will allow for easier access to the University stadium and other
athletic facilities on both sides of the road.
Streicker, a graduate of Yale Law School, is chairman of the board of
the New York City-based Sentinel Real Estate Corp., one of the largest
holders of apartment properties in the United States. He also serves on
the boards of a number of organizations, including the Graduate Center
of the City University of New York, the Wildlife Australia Fund and
Temple Emanu-El in New York City. From 2001 to 2005, Streicker was a
member of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. He is
also a former chairman of Community Board 5, a New York City municipal
advisory group.
His many other gifts to Princeton include Streicker Walk, which
provides a connection from the east side of campus to Prospect House,
the one-time University president's house now used for private dining
and meetings.
