The Gallup and Robinson Building

This landmark red brick building that is so recognizable to so many generations of Penningtonians was built in 1891 as a gathering place for the Independent Order of Oddfellows. They met there and generously loaned their meeting place to many other local organizations until 1929 when the Borough of Pennington bought the property for municipal purposes. The Fire Department had used it for its headquarters since 1897. The first floor became the public library, the town hall, and an office for the tax assessor. Office space on the second floor was allocated to the town clerk, building inspector, and tax collector. A large area was furnished for meetings of the Borough Council.

The building served in times of crisis as well - in 1934 it became the region's headquarters for the Emergency Relief Administration which distributed federal assistance to those impoverished by the Depression. During World War II it became the office of the Selective Service Board with volunteers working far into the night to process the paperwork of local men and women drawn to war and service for their country. Throughout the war, air raid drills were orchestrated out of a command post on the second floor while the town waited in darkness for the “All Clear.”

By 1994 the Borough and the public library had long outgrown the hall and construction of a new building on the site of the Pennington Grange to the immediate northwest. Gallup & Robinson, the marketing and advertising research firm, bought the old building at public auction in 1997. Led by the design guidance and historic insight of Hopewell resident David Blackwell, a complete renovation of the building has resulted in an adaptive restoration that is bright, airy and functional.

The side entrance to the Gallup & Robinson building opens up to a newly ceramic tiled area surrounding the original staircase. New bathrooms and a convenient kitchenette line the hallway. Follow the stairs up to the dramatic second floor suite of executive offices that are illuminated by the original tall windows that front Pennington's North Main Street. The second floor landing is enhanced by a columned entryway designed by Blackwell. At the street end of the building the ceiling was partially demolished to open up the space currently occupied by the third floor research library. The newly refinished original floors shine brightly throughout the building and the vintage tin ceilings are lovely with a fresh coat of paint.

Modern touches and sensibilities enliven the space and make it more comfortable as well. The green steel and glass office partitions are strikingly handsome against the pale yellow walls and tall windows of this century old building. Central air conditioning has been added most unobtrusively in the placement of tiny circular vents in the floor. New solid hardwood doors, trims and moldings further the historic feel.

A small but delightful outdoor patio with carefully tended plantings and benches of a tasteful, rustic design further enhances this sensitive but practical restoration of one of Pennington's most notable buildings - you'll find it at the rear of the building on your way out.  

The G&R Building | The Gallup House