2012 11 New Listings on the National Register Historic Places in Fairfield County Rachel Carley

Connecticut Preservation News January/February 2012 Volume XXXV, No. 1

C. Wigren Local Historic Districts Protect Property Values

Little Plain historic district, Norwich

hat are the benefits of historic preservation? For years Historic Districts and Property Values,” was conducted by W property owners in existing or proposed local historic PlaceEconomics, a real estate and economic development con- districts (LHDs) have asked this question, and for years preser- sulting firm based in Washington, D.C. Donovan Rypkema, vationists have answered in terms of protecting the appearance of the firm’s principal, is the nation’s leading authority on the eco- significant neighborhoods. nomics of historic preservation. It turns out that local historic districts also protect property In local historic districts, which are established by munici- values, according to a study released by the Connecticut Trust palities under a state enabling statute, property owners must for Historic Preservation. The study, “Connecticut Local obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the town’s historic district commission before making any alterations to the building that would be visible from a public right-of-way, including In This Issue... demolition or new construction. The purpose of the review is ______to ensure that proposed changes are in keeping with the overall ______Technical Assistance Grants 3 historic character of the district. The goal of the study was to analyze what effect (if any) ______Around the State 4 local historic district regulations have on residential property values. Similar studies in other states had found that LHDs ______Historic Trade Catalogues Online 11 continued on page 8 New on the National Register 12

The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit organization. ISSN 1084-189X At the Trust From the Executive Director

ctober saw a new addition to the came from The 1772 Foundation, which is In December, the Board discussed Trust’s staff and the departure of leading an initiative to stimulate revolving the final report of the study and clari- O funds in local and statewide preservation an old friend. We welcomed Terry Grady fied what type of fund the Trust might to our staff as Development Director. organizations. Six New England statewide want. There was consensus that, at the Originally from Michigan, where he honed preservation organizations are at various start of a fund, the Trust would focus on his fund raising skills, Terry recently stages of developing and implementing one specific area, most likely a second-tier worked for the Nature Conservancy here in such funds. We will work together, along city like New London or Norwich. The Connecticut. His first job has been to meet with two well established funds in Boston Trust would actively engage partners, from all trustees and members of the Advisory and Providence, as the New England Department of Economic and Community Council and he is quickly becoming very Consortium for Revolving Funds, sharing Development to local groups including familiar with our operations. We look for- models, best practices and staff training. the municipality, community development ward to great fund raising success under For the Trust, the multiple-phase study organizations, local preservation groups his leadership. started with an analysis of the Trust’s and potential funding partners. The two At the same time, the National Trust existing programs, especially two of its models for a fund that emerged were an for Historic Preservation announced sig- grant programs, Historic Preservation options-based fund--meaning the Trust nificant changes to their regional organiza- Technical Assistance Grants and Vibrant would take an option on an endangered or tion. The Northeast Office of the National Communities Initiative, as well as the bi- keystone historic property in a downtown Trust, in Boston, was disbanded, as were monthly listing of endangered properties and try to sell it for more than the option- the other five regional offices. Most sadly, in Historic Properties Exchange. Subsequent -or a pre-development loan fund for devel- Wendy Nicholas, long-time director of phases of the study consisted of: a compari- opers in downtown areas. The next step for that office, lost her position. Wendy was a son of four revolving funds that represented the Trust is to develop clear goals, a busi- mentor to me in my early years here. Her best practices in historic preservation ness plan, and a capitalization plan. We’ll support for our work, especially our Circuit revolving funds; a needs survey; a Board keep you informed of our progress. Rider program, was unwavering. Across and staff retreat; and three case studies. —Helen Higgins the Northeast region Wendy has been recognized as a dedicated, passionate and very savvy preservation professional. We wish her all the best as she approaches new The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit statewide membership organization established by a special act of the State Legislature in 1975. Working with local preservation groups and individuals as well as statewide career paths. organizations, it encourages, advocates and facilitates historic preservation throughout Connecticut. In the past several months, the Board of Trustees Gubernatorial Appointees Connecticut Preservation News is Connecticut Trust has been exploring an published bimonthly by the Connecticut Officers Theodore F. Ells, Branford Trust for Historic Preservation, 940 Whitney exciting new way of extending our work to Edmund Schmidt, Chairman, Darien Natalie Ketcham, Redding Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut 06517. Edith Pestana, Hartford Publication is made possibly by support of preserve and enhance Connecticut’s histor- Charles Janson, Vice-Chairman, Darien the members of the Connecticut Trust for Edith Pestana, Secretary, Hartford Advisory Council Historic Preservation and by funds provided Martha Alexander, New Haven through the Community Investment Act, ic places. In June 2011, the Trust engaged Edward W. Munster, Treasurer, Haddam Public Act 05-228, Connecticut Commission Walter Fiederowicz, Assistant Treasurer, J. Barclay Collins, Sharon on Culture & Tourism, State of Connecticut, DLJ Consulting, from Washington, D.C., Litchfield William R. Crowe, Canton M. Jodi Rell, Governor. The contents and opinions stated herein do not necessarily to conduct a feasibility study for a new Additional Members of the Jared Edwards, FAIA, West Hartford reflect the views and policies of the State of Board of Trustees Inger Elliott, Stonington Connecticut. The Connecticut Trust revolving fund. A grant for this study Gerald Farrell, Jr., Wallingford for Historic Preservation assumes no Serena Bechtel, Greenwich responsibility for the advertisements. Mimi Findlay, New Canaan Denise Best, Hartford This program receives State financial Michael J. H. Blair, Stonington Glenn Geathers, Hartford assistance for identification and protection Jeanné Chesanow, Cheshire John Herzog, Madison of historic properties. Under Title VI of Lee Kuckro, Wethersfield the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section Leroy Diggs, Danbury 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Robert Faesy, AIA, Wilton Stephen S. Lash, Stonington U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits Lynn Friedman, Madison Charles T. Lee, Greenwich discrimination on the basis of race, color, Peter Malkin, Greenwich national origin or handicap in its federally Ruth Harvey, Glastonbury assisted programs. If you believe you have Adrienne Farrar Houel, Bridgeport Cesar Pelli, FAIA, New Haven been discriminated against in any program, The Hon. Andrew Roraback, Goshen activity, or facility as described above, or if Garry S. Leonard, Madison you desire further information, please write James McLaughlin, Durham John W. Shannahan, Suffield to the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Jeffrey Morgan, South Kent Department of the Interior, Washington, Staff D.C. 20240. Jeffry Muthersbaugh, Bethel and Haddam Helen Higgins, Executive Director © 2011, Connecticut Trust for Historic Thomas W. Nissley, New Canaan Christopher Wigren, Deputy Director Preservation. All rights reserved. Donald Poland, Hartford Brad Schide, Connecticut Circuit Rider ISSN 1084-189X George Purtill, Glastonbury Gregory Farmer, Connecticut Circuit Rider The Hon. Kelvin Roldan, Hartford Jane Montanaro, Preservation Services Officer Caroline Sloat, Thompson Kathleen von Jena, Membership and Office Manager Robert Svensk, Southport Todd Levine, Director, Historic Barns of Connecticut John B. Toomey, Jr., Bolton Charlotte Hitchcock, Lead Researcher, Historic Barns of Connecticut Jane Vercelli, Thompson Kristen Young, Project Assistant, Historic Barns of Connecticut Jeanne Webb, Bolton Terry Allen Grady, Development Officer Richard N. Wies, AIA, Branford Douglas Williams, Thompson Connecticut Preservation News Editor: Christopher Wigren Hiram P. Williams, South Kent Editor, Historic Properties Exchange: Jane Montanaro Graphic Design: David Wolfram, Middletown Terry Grady, the Connecticut Trust’s new Printing: Kramer Printing, West Haven Development Director 2 Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 Trust Awards Technical Assistance Grants

Village for Families and Children he Connecticut Trust awarded T $215,608 in Historic Preservation Technical Assistance grants in December, which will make possible a total initial investment of $465,002 in these historic places. The grants are part of a comprehensive historic preservation technical assistance program of the Trust, in collaboration with and with generous funding from the Connecticut General Assembly, the Connecticut Humanities Council, and the State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Economic and Community Development, through the Community Investment Act. The grants are intended to encourage and support community efforts in planning for the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic Village for Families and Children, Hartford: main campus buildings and places. (In the list, “NR” indicates sites on the National Register; Hartford, Village for Families and Norwich, Spirit of Broadway Theater: “SR” means State Register.) Children: $15,000 for needs assessment $19,930 for plans and specifications Guilford, Dorothy Whitfield Historic and preservation plan of main and satellite for rehabilitation of upper floors of the Society: $2,500 for strategic planning for campuses (all NR) Chestnut Street firehouse (NR) the Hyland house (NR) Killingly, Westfield Congregational Old Lyme, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts: Hamden, Habitat for Humanity of Church: $9,890 for construction docu- $20,000 for plans and specifications for Greater New Haven: $20,000 for plans ments for repairs to the steeple (NR) exterior restoration of the John Sill house (NR) and specifications for restoration of the Middlebury, Middlebury Historical Maselli Farm house Society: $3,150 for conditions assessment Plainville, Congregational Church of Hartford, Connecticut Landmarks: and preservation planning for the Curtiss- Plainville: $5,000 for a capital needs $20,000 for construction documents Nichols house assessment for renovation of and an addition to the New London, New London Landmarks: Southbury, Southbury Historic Amos Bull house and Butler-McCook $3,869 to create a guidebook for down- Buildings Commission: $6,599 for a carriage house (NR) town New London and adjacent historic conditions assessment and remediation neighborhoods (NR) plan for the Bullet Hill School (NR) continued on page 14 Upcoming Meetings of the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council February 1, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. Christopher Wuerth March 7, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. State Historic Restoration Contractor Preservation Board March 8, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. General Contractors & Carpenters All meetings take place at the State ********** Historic Preservation Office Department of Ecconomic and Community Free estimates. Fair prices. References. Development Main Conference Room 1 Constitution Plaza, 2nd Floor 203-430-6020 www.wuerthrestoration.com Hartford, Connecticut Licensed and Insured. Hamden, CT. Since 1978. For more information call (860) 256-2800 Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 3 Around the State

Fairfield County. The Connecticut walkers and hikers have been known to use possible from moving autos. Department of Transportation is undertak- existing pathways in the woods. However, building a trail would present ing a $1.3 million study to evaluate the Another proposal came in 1993, when a number of difficulties. In the past, DOT feasibility of a multi-use trail along the the tri-state Regional Plan Association engineers have expressed concerns about Merritt Parkway, funded in part by a grant (RPA) presented a recommendation for a the wisdom of building a pedestrian trail so of $1.1 million from the National Scenic pedestrian and bicycle trail along the park- close to high-speed traffic. Abutting prop- Byways Program. way. Again, nothing came of the plan. erty owners are worried about their security The study will consider a trail running Since 2000, a new organization, the and privacy. And, of course, there is the the entire 37.5-mile length of the parkway Merritt Parkway Trail Alliance, has advo- cost of construction and maintenance. from Greenwich to the Sikorsky Bridge in cated actively for a trail, with support Alliance members say that Stamford has Stratford. The trail would be located pri- from the Connecticut Forest and Park offered to pay for upkeep along its portion marily in the wide right-of-way along the Association, RPA, and the Connecticut of the trail, but there is no indication that south side of the roadway and would be Department of Energy and Environmental other towns would offer similar support. buffered by woods from both the parkway Protection. For preservationists, the chief concern and abutting properties. The alliance says that a trail would ease is the potential impact on the Merritt’s Proposals for a trail along the Merritt traffic congestion and air pollution by per- historic landscape. The parkway passes date almost to the beginning of construc- mitting bicycling and walking as alternate through hilly terrain and crosses numer- tion, in the 1930s. The roadway is located methods of transportation and provide con- ous streams, wetlands, and side roads. A in the northern half of the 300-foot right- nections to other trails as a part of the East trail, particularly a fully accessible trail as of-way, leaving a wide swath of land unde- Coast Greenway. The organization notes is being discussed, would require many veloped. This area was originally intended that the Sikorsky Bridge, at the northern cuts and fills to create manageable grades. for future expansion, but DOT has made a end of the Merritt, was rebuilt in 2006 Bridges would have to be built over roads commitment not to widen the parkway. with a bicycle/pedestrian lane. Another that cross the Merritt and over streams and Early brochures mention bridle trails advantage of a trail, according to alliance wetlands. There might have to be fences or like the ones along some of the parkways in materials, would be the opportunity to other barriers to separate trail traffic from Westchester County, New York. However, view the parkway’s landscape and bridges vehicles. Certainly, many trees would be the Merritt trails never were built, although up close and at a slower speed than is cut, and it is not certain that the trail actually would be screened from the roadway and adjoining properties. While preservationists recognize that E D W A R D S T A N L E Y E N G I N E E R S S T R U C T U R E S A N D P R E S E R V A T I O N it may be possible to do all this without 6 Water Street, Guilford CT harming the parkway’s historic character, North Light Restoration they want to be sure. In meetings of the Block Island, RI Walter Sedovic Architects Merritt Parkway Advisory Committee and in a letter to the Commissioner of Restoration of the 1867 cast Transportation, the Connecticut Trust iron light tower was challenged has urged DOT to have detailed plans in by extensive rust damage. The place and reviewed by the State Historic top of the tower was lifted off Preservation Office before committing to by crane for restoration off island. Partially damaged any construction. pieces were “melted” and used As part of the study, DOT will meet for new castings. Inappropriate with town officials and hold public infor- prior repairs were reversed. mation sessions in the eight towns along Work included repairs to the the parkway. This input will be used to timber framing supporting the tower. develop a conceptual design for the trail. Citizens who are interested in the preserva- Edward Stanley Engineers pro- tion of the Merritt are urged to participate vides experience in sustaining in these meetings. and prolonging the usefulness of existing buildings. Our solu- tions for preservation, restora- For more information, contact William tion, rehabilitation and adaptive Britnell at the Connecticut Department of reuse will be sensitive to the Transportation, (860) 594-3274 or by email historic fabric of the structure, to [email protected]. For information thoughtfully integrated with on the Merritt Trail Alliance, visit http:// other building systems, and aligned with your project goals www.ctwoodlands.org/merritt-parkway. for success.

www.edwardstanleyengineers.com

4 Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 Around the State

Merritt Parkway Trail Alliance

The Merritt Parkway Trail Alliance commissioned this rendering of a proposed pedestrian/bicycle trail along the Merritt, in Stamford.

New London. City voters rejected a against. Mayor-elect Daryl Justin Finizio by proponents with the city parks com- proposal to sell part of Riverside Park to complicated the situation by announcing, mission as an argument for not selling the the Coast Guard Academy. The park, before the recount was completed, that park. The Friends group is applying for established in 1893 and enlarged in 1908, the sale was off anyhow, because the pur- 501(c)(3) status, based on the successful occupies a stretch of the Thames River chase agreement had expired. However, model at Ocean Beach, the city’s public bank between I-95 and the academy. Little since the proposal was defeated, this beach, where a friends group has overseen used and located in East New London, a ceased to be an issue. restoration and redevelopment work since neighborhood cut off from the rest of the The voters’ decision not to sell a proposal to sell that city property also city by highway construction and urban Riverside Park is only the first step. The was defeated. renewal, the park has been neglected for Day of New London reports that the “Riverside Park will never be a play- many years, overgrown and littered with new mayor and city council members are ground like Ocean Beach,” says Chalk. trash. committed to ending the neglect of the “There will be a playground, but it also The academy offered to buy 9.14 park, and the newspaper called on those will be a place for people to have a picnic, acres—about half the park—for $2.9 who opposed the sale to continue to show or go on a long walk, or simply enjoy its million, in order to expand its campus. interest in it. quiet natural beauty.” Those in favor of the sale said that the They are doing just that, according Coast Guard would take better care of Sandra Chalk, NLL’s executive director. For more on Riverside Park, visit http:// the park than the city had, and that the There is a five-year plan in place, created newlondonlandmarks.org/. purchase money could be used by the city to improve and maintain the remaining New London Landmarks parkland. Opponents of the sale, including New London Landmarks (NLL), the city’s preservation organization, organized a friends group for the park. They argued that the purchase would take the most usable portion of the hilly park and would rob East New London of an asset that if properly treated could be a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization--a focus of NLL activity even before the sale issue arose. The vote was very close. In the first count the sale passed by thirteen votes, 2,117 to 2,104. But a mandatory recount produced a final result of 2,098 to 2,079 Riverside Park, New London

Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 5 Around the State Marty Stofik

Ridgefield. On December 6, voters approved $7 million for the town to buy the vacant Schlumberger-Doll complex in the center of town. Passed by a margin of 1,364 to 881, the vote authorizes the First Selectman to complete negotiations with Schlumberger, a multinational corporation that provides technology for the petroleum indus- try, and to complete due dili- gence, including environmental assessment of the property. The selectmen will have to approve a final deal. The vote ensures the preservation of an important Modernist office building designed by Philip Johnson and built in 1952 for Schlumberger’s Schlumberger research building, Ridgefield research operations. The building, in Johnson’s Miesian brick- erty, including the Johnson building, in been unable to sell the 40-acre campus, glass-and-steel mode, was built with a order to reduce carrying costs until the and in late summer it announced that it skylighted corridor surrounding a central real estate market improved. would demolish everything on the prop- courtyard and library. Architectural pub- Even more than the Johnson build- lications made much of the ing, townspeople were concerned building’s lighting, by lighting engineer Richard Kelly, and its innovative radiant heating and cooling system. The property has been vacant since 2006, when Schlumberger moved its research center to Cambridge, Massachusetts. With the recession, the company has

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6 Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 Around the State

preserve the house’s historic character reportedly tipped the balance in her favor. The other proposal was to divide the building into four or five condominiums. Last year, a Superior Court judge ruled against the town’s efforts to demolish the house, in a lawsuit filed by the State of Connecticut (see CPN, May/June 2011). That Wallingford received two credible proposals for redevel- oping the property confirms the state’s arguments in the case that there were prudent and feasible alternatives to demolition. The once-threatened building will be returned to the town’s tax rolls and will house a new business.

Once threatened with demolition, the former American Legion building, in Wallingford, will become a bed-and-breakfast. about the future of the property, fearing Wallingford. On November 29, the development that would overburden the town council voted to sell the former town’s infrastructure and its character. American Legion building to Jeanine Controlling the parcel’s future was a Connelly for $125,000. The building, deciding factor for many. located on Main Street in the Wallingford The town has found potential buyers National Register district, was built in for more than half of the property, about 1890 as a private home. including someone who wants to buy the Connelly was one of two bidders for Johnson building to house a private art the property. She plans to invest about collection. A portion would remain as $500,000 in the house, converting it to open space. a bed-and-breakfast. Her intention to www.msjoyners.com

Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 7 Local Historic Districts, cont’d from page 1

tend to moderate the ups and downs of National Register of Historic Places, J. Cunningham the real estate market--the highs are less high and the lows, less low. There was no direct comparative information about Connecticut, until the Connecticut Trust received a grant to commission this study, from the State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Economic and Community Development. The researchers chose six local historic districts located in four towns—Canton, Milford, Norwich, and Windsor—where they compared property values recorded in the most recent revaluation with those from the previous revaluation, either five or six years earlier. They compared the percentage change in the average value of residential properties within the historic districts with the percentage change for properties outside the historic districts. The results were striking: • There was no evidence that being located within a local historic district Milford historic district, Milford reduced residential property values. Instead, values in every LHD studied saw average annual increases ranging • In “head-to-head” square-foot com- from location within a regulatory local from four percent to more than nine- parisons based on age and style, prop- histroic district. teen percent. erties within the local historic districts One town, Norwich, showed some • In three of the four communities, the were worth more than similar proper- anomalies, with property values within value of residential properties within ties not within the districts. its two local historic districts rising more the local historic districts increased at • Overall, there appears to be a two to slowly than outside the districts. This a greater rate than properties with no four percent value premium resulting may be due to different demographics. such protection.

What local historic districts do is maintain the character and quality of the neighborhood—the major reason people bought there to begin with. C. Wigren

Collinsville historic district, Canton

8 Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012

Making Local Norwich has a lower median household ing LHDs is to maintain the character and Historic Districts income and lower rate of homeownership quality of neighborhoods. In other words, than the other communities studied, and buyers can trust that the neighborhood More Effective its LHDs—particularly Little Plain—have around them won’t change for the worse— In addition to studying the quantitative higher numbers of multifamily or commer- and that can be a valuable consideration. side of Local Historic Districts (LHDs), cial properties. Despite these differences, “In some cases,” the study says, “sophis- the consultants looked as the qualitative property values in Norwich’s LHDs did in ticated buyers may consciously pay more side--how LHDs and historic district com- fact increase. Furthermore, the commer- simply due to having the confidence that missions (HDCs) are perceived and how cial and multifamily properties saw value the character of the neighborhood they are they can be more effective. They found that increases greater than the city-wide average. buying into will not be subject to dramatic, LHDs and HDCs often operate in isolation Moreover, properties in Norwich’s local adverse changes because there is a public from the community and the rest of town government, and therefore often aren’t well historic districts fared better than the rest body that reviews and then approves or understood by the broader community, of the city in another way: foreclosure rates denies proposals.” especially their potential for economic ben- within the districts were significantly lower Of course, this study covers only six efits. —19.9 per thousand properties, as opposed districts in four towns, out of a total of 133 The consultants recommend that to 28.9 per thousand in the city as a whole. LHDs in 72 towns across Connecticut. HDCs devote more effort to better and Historic districts in the other study towns But the authors include a description of the more sophisticated communication of his- reported similar foreclosure rates; on aver- method they used to collect and analyze toric preservation results. Specifically: age, the rate of foreclosures in LHDs was data, so that other communities can repro- Better communication is the key. about half that of undesignated neighbor- duce the study for their own LHDs. • Be polite: start meetings on time; stay hoods. Despite the economic benefits of local with the agenda; keep the discussion focused; end meetings on schedule. What accounts for the economic differ- historic districts—to say nothing of the • Be respectful: treat other people’s prop- ences between local historic districts and historical benefits—only a tiny fraction of erty as you would want them to treat other, similar neighborhoods? The study historic buildings in Connecticut have the yours; talk about the benefits of preserva- concludes that the difference is the greater protection of local historic district regula- tion; create an atmosphere of partnership level of stability with a regulatory historic tions. In the four study towns, between 75 and cooperation. district. As the authors point out, neighbor- and 95 percent of houses more than 100 • Be reasonable: assist the owners in deter- hood character is an important component years old lie outside the LHDs. mining how to care for properties; be open to new ideas and changing needs; of property value, and the reason for hav- continued on page 10 remember that the standard for approv- ing changes is that they be “not incongru- ous with the character of the district.” • Be consistent: distribute all rules and C. Wigren guidelines in print and online; don’t make assumptions, but ask questions; explain your thinking and your decisions; trust all applicants as you would your grand- mother. In town hall... • Introduce yourself to municipal officials, department heads, other board chairs and commissioners. • Get to know the building official and his concerns. • Talk about the goals and benefits of preservation. • Share the credit for successful projects. In the community... • Celebrate the boundaries of the historic district. • Introduce yourself to property owners, businesses, and realtors. • Partner with other community organizations. • Highlight the benefits of the district through community activities.

For more information, visit www.historicdistrictsct.org. Palisado historic district, Windsor

Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 9 Local Historic Districts, cont’d from page 9 As the authors conclude: “It isn’t that A New Inventory of Local Historic Districts every one of these houses can, or even should, be preserved forever. But unless and Properties and until more communities take advantage [of LHDs], much of the architec- ocal Historic Districts and Local tions of listed properties noting the street tural wealth of Connecticut remains at L Historic Properties have proved address, historic names, the parcel IDs and risk. Local historic districts have proven to be among the most effective tools for providing a link to an aerial view which their worth, socially, culturally, and eco- preservation. These designations offer the allows the user to have a virtual tour of nomically. But if the historic resources of maximum protection to historic building the district. Another major highlight of Connecticut are to be available to tomor- fabric and ensure that any exterior altera- the website will be a property-wise search row’s citizens, the work of those historic tions are consistent with and appropriate engine to determine at the very outset district commissions has only for the existing character of the district or whether a particular street address is just begun.” property. included in any LHD or LHP. But sometimes it can be difficult to For each Local Historic District or know whether a property is actually in a Property, an overview page will offer a gen- Local Historic District. This can pose a eral description of the district or property, challenge, both to the regulatory authority its significance, architectural style, era, and to homeowners, prospective owners, present use, and notes on its establishment. real estate agents, and others. This ambi- It also will include links to the respective guity can lead to inappropriate alterations district/property authority, town website, causing the loss of a building’s historic district maps, GIS information, and other significance and integrity. It also can cur- online resources like district ordinances or tail the preservation opportunities offered historic district handbooks. to historic buildings in the development Local Historic Districts established process. under the state enabling act are often To address this problem, the confused with National Register historic Connecticut Trust, with support from districts, which do not have the same the State Historic Preservation Office, preservation regulations but may or may Department of Economic and Community not share the same boundaries. To make Development (SHPO), is creating a clear the distinction between the two web-based comprehensive inventory of designations, each district overview page Local Historic Districts and Properties in will discusses the boundary of the LHD Local Historic Districts studied Connecticut. Manjusha Patnaik, of the with respect to the corresponding National Canton Trust, is project manager, and website con- Register historic district. Canton Center historic district, 1975 sultant John Harmon is providing technical The project is expected to be live by Collinsville historic district, 1988 expertise. This will include the huge inven- spring 2012 with the maps and the online tory of more than 8,000 historic properties register hosted in www.historicdistrictsct. Milford listed in 133 Local Historic Districts and org, the Trust’s website for Local Historic Milford historic district, 1976 the 92 Local Historic Properties across Districts and Properties. [South of the Green historic district, the state. Information for most districts 2007, not studied due to lack of data] has been retrieved from study committee Norwich reports or district ordinances filed with the Norwichtown historic district, 1968 SHPO. For others, information has been Little Plain historic district, 1970 collated from town offices, district com- Windsor missions, or GIS maps available online. Palisado historic district, 1963 The outcome of the project is envi- sioned to be an interactive statewide map To read the entire study: indicating the approximate boundaries of http://www.historicdistrictsct.org/ documents/2460 Local Historic Districts and Properties, supported by a list of designated properties or parcels. For easy navigation within Windsor • Canton • the website, the user will have the choice of browsing the interactive statewide map Norwich • or using town-by-town index. The maps Milford • of the districts will include the point loca-

10 Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 West River Restoration

New Library of Historic Building Technology

18th and early 19th ver wonder how old buildings were online collection will provide generations century structural repair, E put together—what materials or of design professionals, building owners, restoration and recreation. products went into them? If you’re looking historians, preservationists, and curious for real, nitty-gritty details, period catalogs homeowners with an in-depth look at early Doors, windows, trim, can be a valuable resource. building construction. siding, period rooms, floors, During the 19th and 20th centuries, The collection contains materials print- trade literature aimed at both the com- ed and published before 1964, which are sills, framing, fireplaces, mercial and residential markets prolifer- now in the public domain. The materials masonry, kitchens, baths, ated as manufacturers developed building come from various library, museum and and barns. materials and equipment for structures of private collections. The Canadian Centre all types, from high-rises to farm sheds. for Architecture, in Montreal, is the first Catalogs offered “kit houses” from many major collection contributor. To date, the companies such as Sears, Roebuck & Co. BTHL contains 1,135 items, and more are Well into the 20th century companies such being added. as the Garlinghouse Company published Design and construction professionals, catalogs of house plans. Catalogues of building owners, and preservationists will kitchen plans, cabinets, and furnishings find BTHL useful. Owners of older homes provide evidence of the great popularity will be interested because of the significant of kitchen renovation, and a guide to the number of early house-plan and home dec- never-ending parade of styles and techno- orating catalogs. Historians, city planners, logical advances. and environmental consultants will find it Documents like these can provide a valuable resource. valuable information for understanding, Thomas Linskey interpreting, and preserving historic places. The Building Technology Heritage Library is 350 Middle Haddam Rd. Unfortunately, they are not easy to find. found at www.archive.org/details/building- Portland, CT 06486 To make these materials more easily technologyheritagelibrary. The Association 860-342-2289 available, the Association for Preservation for Preservation Technology International Technology International (APT) has is a multi-disciplinary, membership orga- 860-463-1185 launched the Building Technology nization dedicated to promoting the best Heritage Library (BTHL), a web-based technology for conserving historic structures “An old house craftsman dedicated to digitized collection of archival architectural and their settings; for more information visit perpetuating early Connecticut architecture, one job at a time, large or small, and construction trade catalogs, house www.apti.org. for individuals and organizations.” plan books, and related publications. This

Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 11 New Listings on the National Register Historic Places in Fairfield County Rachel Carley

hree new listings in the National T Register of Historic Places highlight historic sites in Fairfield County. The David and Sarah Webb, Jr., house, in New Canaan, parallels the town’s development from a post-Colonial farming community to one of the most sophisticated commuter towns in Connecticut. The house was built in 1785 for David Webb, Jr., and his wife, Sarah, who was a member of New Canaan’s prominent Davenport family. With the decline of local farming, the property was bought in 1892 by Henry and Flora Davenport of New York (he was another member of the family). They and David and Sarah Webb, Jr., house, New Canaan the following owner, Ralph B. Semler, from 1893 to 2002. The house, with its Stamford’s Long Ridge Village expanded and updated the house the T-shaped plan, its flat roof and wide eaves, historic district has been enlarged with Colonial Revival style and added landscap- and its wraparound veranda, shows how a new section that reinforces the existing intended to enhance the architecture. picturesque influences were changing the ing district’s themes of shoemaking and In the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, shapes of Connecticut houses, provid- residential development from the 18th to the Cassidy house is a well preserved ing more visual interest than the boxlike the 20th centuries and adds sites related to example of an Italianate-style farmhouse. Colonial or Greek Revival structures. In industrial and commercial activity at the Built in 1849 for John Plumb, a farmer, addition, the house retains its original town’s only surviving mill, and an historic the house is better known in association board-and-batten siding and lacy, scroll- ice house. Orient Lodge, an outstanding with the Cassidy family, who lived in it sawn porch supports. Arts-and-Crafts house built in 1904, adds CT EXPLORED FOR CT TRUST 6/2:Layout 1 6/2/11 9:37 AM Page 1 Preserving Connecticut history, one good story after another Read, subscribe, advertise Find out more at www.ctexplored.org 2 Connecticut Explored Discounts available for members of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation

12 Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 New Listings on the National Register

Christina M. Roush a new architectural style to the district, while Colonial Revival dwellings, including farm buildings converted to residences, reflect the district’s distinction in the 20th century as a haven for prominent politicians, artists and musicians, such as bandleader Benny Goodman. In between, are vernacular houses and outbuildings that witness to the district’s 19th-century architectural conservatism.

Cassidy house, Bridgeport Cynthia L. Russell

Orient Lodge, Long Ridge Village historic district, Stamford

Kronenberger & Sons Restoration Inc., founded in Years of successful projects and satisfied clients are 1946, is a three-generation firm specializing in the a testament to that goal. restoration, preservation and adaptive re-use of Our clients have included museums, municipali- period structures. ties, architects, historical societies and homeown- We are craftspeople, with the knowledge, skills ers. As varied as our clients, so are their projects. and experience to return usability to older struc- They have included barns, carriage houses, covered tures while helping them meet the bridges, churches, town halls and requirements of the 21st century. and a vast array of period homes It has been our goal to balance and out buildings. passionate interest in historic For history in the remaking, preservation with level-headed call us, toll-free in Connecticut professionalism. 1-800-255-0089.

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Stafford, Connecticut Retirement Colony: $20,000 for a feasibility study Deadlines for Historic for converting the Borough Elementary Preservation Technical School to affordable housing Stratford, Stratford Historic District Assistance Grants Commission: $7,500 for a conditions Winter Funding Round EARLY NEW ENGLAND assessment of the John Benjamin house Pre-Applications due: February 1, 2012 (NR) Final Applications due: March 1, 2012 RESTORATIONS, INC.

Vernon, Rockville Public Library: Spring Funding Round $5,000 for specifications for window Pre-Applications due: March 15, 2012 restoration (NR). Final Applications due: May 1, 2012 Wallingford, Wallingford Historic For more information, contact Jane Preservation Trust: $12,000 to study Montanaro, Preservation Services Officer, exterior and interior surfaces of the at [email protected]. Nehemiah Royce house (NR), in prepara-

tion for restoration Town of Waterford: $1,400 for a condi- HISTORIC RESTORATION tions assessment of the Nevins tenant CUSTOM BUILDING cottage (NR) PROJECT MANAGEMENT Town of Weston: $20,000 for a conditions assessment and feasibility study of Structural Repairs the Lachat Farm Plaster Restoration Painting Town of Willington: $7,500 for a capital needs assessment of the Old Town Hall th th (NR) Many 18 & 19 century P R E S E R V A T I O N houses and barns available Windsor, Grace Episcopal Church: $16,270 for construction documents Visit us at: www.hvpcorp.com Sherman, Connecticut (860) 355.0906 860-599-4393 for repairs to the church roof and a www.WeRestoreOldHomes.com conditions/feasibility study of the Ruel est. 1977 Hotchkiss Tuttle house (NR)

Preservation Circle ■ Chairman’s Circle $ 1,000 JOIN THE CONNECTICUT TRUST! ■ Preservation Patron $ 500 ■ Circuit Rider Sponsor $ 250 ■ Heritage Partner $ 100 Name ■ Mr. ■ Mrs. ■ Ms. ■ Miss ______

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Card Number______Exp. Date ______/______You can join the Connecticut Signature______Trust online too, at www.cttrust.org Mail to: 940 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06517-4002 Telephone: (203) 562-6312 All contributions are tax deductible.

14 Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 Olmsted Award to Mary Donohue

CTASLA he Connecticut chapter of parks, and outdoor sculpture. These T the American Society of surveys are an important resource for Landscape Architects presented municipal officials, design profes- its Olmsted Award to Mary sionals, preservationists, planners, Donohue, Survey and Grants and property owners. Information Director at the State Historic garnered in a survey often leads to a Preservation Office of the landscape’s being nominated to the Department of Economic and National Register of Historic Places; Community Development. more than one dozen municipal parks The Olmsted Award, named in Connecticut have now received that after Connecticut native Frederick honor. Law Olmsted, who founded the Donohue also oversees the state’s modern landscape architecture historic preservation grant programs, profession in the 19th century, which fund planning studies and is given annually to an organiza- restoration projects. Recent initiatives tion or person from Connecticut have included a master plan for Old whose work is guided by the prin- Mary Donohue, left, receives the Olmsted Award from Phil Barlow, North Cemetery, in Hartford, result- who made the nomination, and Jeff Olszewski, ASLA, CTASLA Chapter ciple of stewardship of the land. president. ing in an investment by the City of With a 30-year career in his- more than one million dollars in toric preservation, Donohue has been an ting historic landscapes added to the state’s rehabilitation work. active advocate for historic landscapes in historic resource survey, leading to compre- Connecticut. She was instrumental in get- hensive surveys of town greens, municipal For more information, visit www.ctasla.org.

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Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012 15 Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation NON-PROFIT ORG. 940 Whitney Avenue U.S. POSTAGE Hamden, CT 06517-4002 PAID NEW HAVEN, CT Phone: (203) 562-6312 PERMIT NO. 72 Fax: (203) 773-0107 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cttrust.org Address Service Requested Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed

Framed! onnecticut The Saville Dam and the C Barkhamsted Reservoir, Barkhamsted Snapshots etween the 1910s and the 1940s, instance), Shurcliff also designed many B the Hartford Metropolitan District parks, dams, and reservoirs. Commission bought up thousands of acres For the Saville dam, Shurcliff lined the from which to view the eight-mile-long of land in northwest Connecticut, cleared road, on the side toward the water, with a reservoir, to experience the vast expanse of it, and flooded it for a system of reservoirs stone wall punctuated by clumps of cedar water under a vast expanse of sky—a sense to provide water to the rapidly growing city trees. At each end, the wall turns in to of openness that is rare in the steep, wood- and its even more rapidly growing suburbs. form a gateway, and at the dam’s midpoint ed valleys of northwestern Connecticut— Barkhamsted Reservoir, built between stands a gatehouse for the mechanical without feeling lost in it. It’s a frame for 1936 and 1940, is a part of that regional equipment—a small, circular building of the picture in front of you, intended to water supply system. To create the reser- stone with a tall conical roof, reached by a increase your appreciation of the picture voir, the MDC built the Saville dam, an stone-arch bridge and looking as though it without capturing too much of your atten- earthen structure, 135 feet high and 1,950 had been lifted from a French chateau. tion. It’s a good designer who knows how feet long, designed by, and named for, But the walls and the plantings and to stay in the background, and Shurcliff chief engineer Caleb Mills Saville. Curving the gatehouse aren’t the point. You’re not did just that. gently and carrying a state road (CT 318, supposed to say “what a lovely road” or —Christopher Wigren Saville Dam Road) along its top, the dam “what a lovely gatehouse.” Instead, they To read more about the construction of the is a massive presence. exist to provide Barkhamsted Reservoir, visit http://www. But the dam isn’t merely big; a human- hogriver.org/issues/v04n01/flooded.htm. it’s also handsomely designed. scaled place The mindset of the time was that civic infrastructure should be attractive as well as useful. Just as the Civilian Conservation Corps provided well-designed facilities to enhance state parks, just as the Connecticut Highway Department built the Merritt Parkway “to enjoy as we go” (in the words of its namesake, Schuyler Merritt), so the MDC planned the Saville Dam to enhance its new reservoir. To do this, the MDC hired one of the nation’s most distinguished landscape architects, Arthur A. Shurcliff (1870-1957). Best known for his recreations of colonial gardens (at Colonial Williamsburg, for

Connecticut Preservation News, January/February 2012