Rutgers–Camden Proposed Cooper Street Gateway Project

Sent Thursday, 10/27

Dear Rutgers–Camden Community:

Today, I would like to share that we are embarking on a planning process for a proposed project that holds the potential to be transformational for our campus, particularly for members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, our students, and our host city.

The proposed Cooper Street Gateway Project envisions a new and vibrant space that builds off the distinguished gateway landmark that signals Rutgers–Camden's enduring role in our city and region. The proposed project envisions a new structure behind historic facades of buildings on the 400 block of Cooper Street and extending back to Lawrence Street. The structure would provide one dedicated area for many units within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences that will elevate the sense of community for faculty, students, and staff within that college. In addition, this plan proposes a versatile space in which members of our campus community can host meetings and public events.

Since the buildings within this proposal are part of the Cooper Street Historic District, we approach this project with respect and reverence for the rich history of Cooper Street and the City of Camden. Our goal, first and foremost, is to retain the Cooper Street buildings' historic facades and renovate some of the existing buildings on Lawrence Street. While the selective demolition of dilapidated structures is included in this project's scope, the intention during all new construction is to protect the historic integrity of our neighborhood. To ensure this, we have retained a New Jersey-based architectural design firm known for its expertise in historic preservation, to assist in the project's development.

In addition to properties on Cooper and Lawrence streets, the project has the potential to reimagine the use of other spaces across the campus for student-facing support services.

I am certain that you share my eager anticipation for this proposed project. This project will require the approval and support of the Rutgers Board of Governors, a goal toward which we will work assiduously. I would be remiss if I did not thank the Institutional Planning and Operations team for their work on this project thus far and in the coming months.

We are in the early stages of planning, and discussions with local and state commissions are among our first steps. In the spirit of transparency, I wanted our campus community to be aware of these conversations and their intended outcome. 

Sincerely,
 
Antonio D. Tillis, Ph.D.
Chancellor