princeton-university.jpg

Princeton University in file photo.

(Star-Ledger file photo)

PRINCETON — Princeton University is seeking approval to construct a new daycare facility on Broadmead Street for up to 180 children, spokeswoman Kristin Appelget said Monday.

The new 17,000 square-foot building would be adjacent to the university’s current daycare facility at 171 Broadmead St., she said.

“It has yet to be determined what will happen to that space, but we will not have childcare in it," Appelget said.

The current facility on Broadmead Street houses two childcare centers: the University-NOW Day Nursery, providing a full day program for children aged three months through kindergarten, and the University League Nursery School, offering half and full-day programs for children aged 2 ½ until kindergarten. Tuition is required for both, according to the university.

The new building would accommodate 180 infants, toddlers and preschool children of faculty, staff and students, who are given first priority for the services. If there are spaces left, it is open to the general public, Appelget said.

The plan also calls for new outdoor play areas and parking spaces outside, she said.

The existing building accommodates 195 children and also houses university information technology staff, who will remain in that building, she said.

The proposal is still in the preliminary stages and has room for some tweaking as the planning process moves forward, Appelget said. A concept plan was submitted to the town, and Princeton planners will give university officials feedback Jan. 15, she said.

The plan will be further refined, and the university will go back to the town with a regular application, Appelget said. She estimated the facility would open in fall 2017.

Nicole Mulvaney may be reached at nmulvaney@njtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter @NicoleMulvaney. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.