Craig Thompson Design Residency

The Fox River has long shaped the story of Princeton, once serving as a vital artery for the logging industry that helped build the region’s early economy.

Today, it remains a thriving ecosystem—home to the remarkable spawning sturgeon each spring, a natural phenomenon that ties the town’s future to its rich environmental heritage. From the calls of migrating sandhill and whooping cranes to the steady current that once carried timber downstream,the river is a living thread connecting past and present.

Visiting Princeton, I was struck by the town’s charm and depth—where history is honored, design is forward-thinking, and experiences are thoughtfully crafted around people and place. The warmth of the community, the vision for accessible public spaces, and the creative energy infused into the riverfront redesign all speak to a town that not only values where it’s been, but also dreams boldly about where it’s going. I’m grateful to have experienced this vibrant gem along the Fox River, and I hope the following design reflects the spirit and aspirations of the community.