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One of New Canaan’s most prominent homes—the stately ca. 1910 Colonial at 275 Main St. (on the left as you climb toward the crest of the final hill toward town)—is hitting the market Tuesday at $2,695,000. From a website featuring the property, owned by Denise Gannalo: “The house on Main Street that you have been waiting for. This turn of the century timeless classic has been lovingly restored, renovated and updated with up to the minute elegance and detailed character. Sitting on an unbelievable large in town property in the heart of New Canaan, there is no other comparison. 5400+ sq ft with 5 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths and a stunning legal apartment, it boasts of 4 floors, finished basement, wine cellar, expansive butler’s pantry, 2 laundry rooms, sound system and 3 car oversized garage. Outdoor living is an entertainer’s delight with private terrace, stone outdoor fireplace and wood burning pizza oven. The expansive property has a large storybook front porch for watching the parade and also has the potential for additional outbuildings and pool. This Main Street central location with new sidewalks and 2 blocks to town will be a gathering place for friends and family alike. Own a piece of the rock in downtown New Canaan.”

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L-R: Liza Paglialunga, Megan and Jason Wellemeyer and Len Paglialunga celebrate the birth of Evangeline Mae Wellemeyer. She's the Paglialunga's first grandchild, born Jan. 21. Congratulations!

L-R: Liza Paglialunga, Megan and Jason Wellemeyer and Len Paglialunga celebrate the birth of Evangeline Mae Wellemeyer. She’s the Paglialunga’s first grandchild, born Jan. 21. Congratulations!

Congratulations to New Canaanites Len and Liza Paglialunga on the birth of their first grandchild.

Evangeline Mae Wellemeyer was born Jan. 21, weighing seven pounds, 14 ounces. Baby Evangeline’s parents are Megan and Jason Wellemeyer of Wellesley, Mass.

Baby Evangeline has been born into the heart of New England Patriots territory.

Baby Evangeline has been born into the heart of New England Patriots territory.

Len—a Center School alumnus and NCHS star running back in the late-1960s who would lead the Rams over Darien in a classic 1967 matchup—said of the photo at left: “Evangeline was the one deflating the footballs. Here she is blowing them back up so she won’t get in trouble.”

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Town Hall is on track to receive by the end of April its first tenants since the property’s renovation and expansion—starting with those municipal departments now operating out of Elm Street, such as the Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Assessor, Fire Marshal and Registrars of Voters. They’ll be followed by the DPW, First Selectman and Finance Department—and the Parking Bureau will move into the New Canaan Police Department once they’re out—and finally those now at Irwin (such as P&Z, Health and Building) will move in August. Of an estimated $13 million in total construction costs, about $2.5 million remain and the contingency fund stands at about $84,000, First Selectman Rob Mallozzi said.

Alex LaPolice scores the game-winning TD vs. Darien in the CIAC Class L Large state championship game. Credit: Terry Dinan

Alex LaPolice scores the game-winning TD vs. Darien in the CIAC Class L Large state championship game. Credit: Terry Dinan

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Asked about the varsity football team’s Hudl investigation—into a suspected security breach of a video analysis tool used by the Rams—New Canaan High School’s athletic director said the entire matter went away on its own and an investigation turned up nothing.

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The town building department on Feb. 17 issued a demolition permit for 252 Carter St., a 2.3-acre property with a 1952 ranch purchased one year ago. In 2004, its former owner had been approved for a permit to put $100,000 in renovations into the home.

L to R: Andrea Chalon, Laurie Torromero, Kathy Dinne, Sky Mercede of Forever Sweet Bakery, Christie Field, Suzanne Brannan, Kate Burt, Tracy DuPont and Molly Ludtke. Courtesy of Sky Mercede

L to R: Andrea Chalon, Laurie Torromeo, Kathy Dinnie, Sky Mercede of Forever Sweet Bakery, Christie Field, Suzanne Brannan, Kate Burt, Tracy DuPont and Molly Ludtke. Courtesy of Sky Mercede

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Sky Mercede of Forever Sweet Bakery on New Canaan Avenue in Norwalk—a member of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce—shared the photo at left with us. More than 100 students spent February break on a mission trip to Alabama, Mercede said. They returned this past weekend in time to get back to class. The photo was taken Feb. 12 at the Congregational Church of New Canaan, the night before the students left.

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New Canaanites are deadlocked on whether 16-18 Locust Ave. or 121 Park St. would be a better future permanent location for the Post Office, according to a poll posted here. Mimi Findlay, chairman emerita of the New Canaan Preservation Alliance, compiled these fact-sheets on each property in contention:

16-18 Locust Ave. Photo by Steven Bedford 1986

16-18 Locust Ave. Photo by Steven Bedford 1986

16-18 Locust Ave (Information from the New Canaan Historic Architectural Survey by Steven Bedford, 1987):

  • “Style of Building: Italianate with later 19th century addition
  • Date of Construction: prior to 1851
  • Notable features: “This is an Italianate building with multiple 6/1 sash to which has been added a late 19thc. cross gable addition whose distinguishing features include: a string course at the floor ground level, slightly projecting horizontal cornices on the windows; and a Colonial Revival hood mold above the entry. In addition there is a small cash box addition in the “L” of the building.
  • Historical or Architectural importance: New Canaan Land Records indicate that the earliest section of the house was built by merchant Seymour Comstock sometime prior to 1851 at which time he sold it to Peter G. Sherwood (V11 P351) who does not appear in local historical materials. Subsequent owners included clothing cutter James Guthrie who acquired it in 1882 (V18 P367) and clothing manufacturer Henry B. Rogers who acquired it in 1884 (V21 P 29). The building is an excellent example of a mid-19th century architecture to which additional wings were added as the building’s use changed.” Along with the recently demolished Linder’s Bicycle Shop on Forest St., this little original flat-roofed building exemplified the commercial development of New Canaan’s early downtown during the middle of the 19th century.
121 Park St. Mimi Findlay photo (2009)

121 Park St. Mimi Findlay photo (2009)

121 Park St (Information from the New Canaan Historic Architectural Survey by Rachel Carley 2012):

  • “Style of Building: Colonial Revival
  • Date of Construction: 1929
  • Alterations: Windows replaced
  • Notable features of building: A small, simply massed, rectangular structure oriented with its gables to the north and south and its façade to the east. The Park Street elevation displays a symmetrical composition with a central door flanked by single windows. The entrance is sheltered by shed-roofed porch, mounted on posts, connected by a simple balustrade. Above, a peak-roofed dormer lit by a triplet of double-hung windows, projects from the east roof plane. A one-story shed-roofed screened porch extends from the south gable end.
  • Historical or Architectural Importance: This house is important as one of the sole survivors from an era when this section of Park St, south of Elm Street, was a residential district. It is a good example of the simple, inexpensive Colonial Revival dwelling types that were favored for suburban development between the World Wars. The south porch was added sometime after 1927.

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