Our Writers House: An American Queen Anne Revival
On Tuesday, November 17, 2015, Rutgers completed the process of renovating the building at 305 Cooper Street into the Rutgers University–Camden Writers House. Historically known as the Henry Genet Taylor House, the structure, originally built in 1885, was designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Wilson Eyre, Jr. in the style of American Queen Anne Revival.
Dr. Henry Genet Taylor, a distinguished physician in Camden and a founder of Camden’s first hospital, commissioned William Eyre, Jr. to design the building for use as both family home and doctor’s offices. Although Dr. Taylor died in 1916, descendants of his family remained living in the home until 1959. In 1989, as part of the Cooper Street Historic District, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The historic accuracy of the building has been maintained during the renovation process, with significant features, such as windows, flooring, doors, moldings and fireplaces, restored to their original aesthetic.
The Writers House serves as home to the MFA program and select English department classes. When not in use for classes, it serves as programming space for our Writers in Camden Series and other Writers Hour programs, including student-run programs, community workshops, and other special events.