Model photo courtesy of Architectural Resources Cambridge, Inc.
The new construction is set back from the edge of Lake Carnegie to both protect the lake during construction, and reduce the visual impact of the addition from the bridge on Washington Road. The new design will respect the roof forms and massing elements of the old boathouse. A low arch- reminiscent of the Washington Road Bridge will frame the view of the lake from the ground level rowing tank.
Princeton University will use a gift of $4 million from Irene C. Shea of Pittsburgh, Pa., to expand and renovate its landmark boathouse and crew
facilities on the banks of Carnegie Lake. The gift will be used to create
the C. Bernard Shea Rowing Center, honoring Mrs. Shea's late husband, a
member of the Class of 1916 and a rower during his college career.
Princeton's crews have participated in intercollegiate rowing competitions
since 1872, and the crew program has been housed in the picturesque Class
of 1887 Boathouse since 1913. Today the University has one of the premier
rowing programs in the country, and it is the largest varsity sports
program at Princeton. But with more than 200 student participants, the
program has outgrown the somewhat antiquated space and facilities of the
Boathouse. The new Shea Rowing Center will include state-of-the-art
facilities and equipment, such as a new rowing tank, larger locker and
shower rooms, better heat and ventilation systems and improved handicap
access, as well as offices and weight training areas. Additional launches,
dockage and boat racks also will be installed.
"We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Shea for this generous gift," said Princeton President Harold T. Shapiro. "Bernard Shea was himself an enthusiastic oarsman at Princeton, and generations of Princeton rowers will remember him and benefit from this tribute to his memory." When boating sports began at Princeton, the team practiced on the nearby Delaware and Raritan Canal - a difficult process since the canal still had a steady stream of commercial traffic. It was not until 1906 that Andrew Carnegie, from the Sheas' hometown of Pittsburgh, funded the construction of a dam, creating what is now called Carnegie Lake. Having the lake for both practices and competitions greatly strengthened the University's rowing program, which grew continuously in strength and variety.
Lightweight crew was introduced in 1922, women came on board in 1972 and women's lightweight crew was added in the fall of 1997.
"I have wonderful memories of returning to campus with my husband in the 1950s to watch the crew races," said Mrs. Shea, "and it is especially meaningful to me to help the many students who love rowing and Princeton, just as my husband did."
Mr. Shea, who died in 1961, served with the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps during World War I and was vice president and director of the Joseph Horne Co. of Pittsburgh. A member of the Graduate Council of Princeton University, he was a director and trustee of many charitable institutions, including Shadyside Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Fairview Hospital of Great Barrington, Mass.
 Overhead View Plan |
 First Floor Plan |
 Second Floor Plan |
Return to the
main page...
