The Meeting House team enlisted local integrated design firm JZA+D as the architect for the project to help transform the space, making it brighter and more spacious.
Restaurateur Amanda Maher and her husband and co-owner Amar Gautam worked closely with Isabella Sparrow to breathe life into the venue at 277 Witherspoon Street. The result is one of Princeton’s most up-and-coming destinations for locals and visitors alike, offering refined cuisine in a casual, stylish setting that feels like home.
The strategy for transforming the restaurant space started with closing off the kitchen. The previous restaurant had the kitchen open to the dining room, but Amanda and Amar wanted the Meeting House to be more relaxed and less noisy.
Mark A. Sullivan, AIA, partner with JZA+DJZA+D devised a plan for introducing a wall to serve as a muted backdrop to the bar feature.
The design concept also called for making the space brighter and airier, leading the team to opt for an open ceiling with light-colored finishes overhead. It makes the most of the natural daylight and exterior views of the Downtown Princeton neighborhood available through the full-height glass walls facing the street.
The result is a space that offers a sophisticated dining experience whether it’s day or night out.
Also, the design concept called for relocating the entrance from the side of the venue to the front, which we were able to accomplish architecturally after assisting with necessary permitting. It’s just a more natural spot for the door, presenting a gracious arrival with simplified access to the dining room.
Mark A. Sullivan, AIA, partner with JZA+D
Customers can eat and chat seated at traditional wood tables, chairs and banquettes in a cosy ambience.