The oldest historical society in Fairfield County is seeking permission from an appointed town body to install new brick walkways connecting buildings on its Oenoke Ridge campus with each other as well as a planned new terrace.
The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society has applied to the Historic District Commission for permission to install a “brick pathway to connect the historic museums–the Rock School and the Hanford-Silliman house—with the existing path to the Rogers Studio.”
“There is also a 20-by-20-foot terrace at the top of the hill, which will have some benches for visitors to use,” according to the organization’s Feb. 22 application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. “The idea is to integrate the campus and provide a better outdoor experience. The plan was designed by Keith Simpson and will work visually with the approved terrace by the main building.”
The Commission is scheduled to take up the application at its regular meeting, scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday.
The Historical Society’s 2.02-acre campus includes five buildings.
New Canaan’s Historic District includes 21 properties around God’s Acre. Under the Commission’s regulations (see page 7 here), approval is needed any time someone wants “to erect or alter any exterior architectural feature of any building or structure within the historic district,” among other reasons.
Nice! I admit I get nervous now whenever I see “new plans” for historic local places — what a relief to see THIS one doesn’t involve politicians and developers selling, giving away, or tearing down New Canaan landmarks!