Archive for the 'Architecture' Category
Bishops Corner Redevelopment Update
There have been rumors that portions of Bishops Corner will be redeveloped in the future, ala Blue Back Square.
Tonight the Bishops Corner Neighborhood Group held an informational meeting to talk about potential redevelopment of another parcel in the area, 2558 Albany Avenue, seen below.
Gregg Nanni, the General Manager of owner/developer Prospect Enterprises, gave a presentation about the proposed plan. As a little background, Prospect Enterprises also owns the adjacent property that houses Staples, Panera, McDonald’s, etc.
2558 Albany has been commercial space for approximately the last 30 years and is currently used as office space. The existing property poses some difficulties, as access to the parcel is limited by entrance and egress heading West only. Additionally, the building was originally a farmhouse and the redevelopment of the existing building wouldn’t be the highest and best use.
Prospect Enterprises is proposing razing the existing structure, regrading the property to reduce the grade to be more compatible with what currently exists in the area, and building a new structure on the existing site. Here’s a picture of an initial concept…
The footprint of the structure would be approximately 5,000 square feet, for a total of 10,000 square feet divided between two floors. The external style of the building would be a New England shingle style architecture, which would help it blend with the neighborhood, as it is in a transition zone near residences.
In the design, Prospect Enterprises is very concerned about the impact on residential neighbors. They are also looking into the possibility of LEED certification to formally recognize energy efficiency which would take into account building materials, using passive solar for energy, and a zero lumens border in order to reduce light pollution.
At this point, the proposed tenants for the building would be a bank on the first floor and medical offices on the second floor. Mr. Nanni indicated that there may be minor changes to the tenant proposal, but that economic demand for medical offices makes it a very viable possibility.
A few other interesting things of note that came out of the meeting…
1. This is all in the preliminary phases at this point. There have been informal meetings only. A formal application may be made later this spring or in the early summer.
2. The Historic District Commission has already been consulted and is willing to consider the removal of the existing building.
3. There will be a cross connection to the Staples parking lot in order to facilitate entrance and exit from the East on Albany Ave.
4. Mr. Nanni indicated that Edens & Avant have been tight lipped about their development project and he has no visibility into what they are planning on the opposite corner at Bishops Corner.
It was nice to see a developer that seemed genuinely concerned about his developments’ impact on the area residents.
I’ll keep an eye out for updates on this project and other happenings in the Bishops Corner area. Many West Hartford residents (and Town Council members) want to know what’s going on, but there is currently a lack of public information available.
Mark Twain Holiday House Tour
Who can pass up twinkly lights and festive floral arrangements, housed at some of the most impressive architectural gems in Hartford? Not me, and hopefully not you.
For 27 years, The Friends of the Mark Twain House & Museum have been organizing a holiday tour of beautiful homes in Hartford. This year the tour takes place on Sunday, December 2nd from 11:00am to 4:00pm. The cost is $30 per person if you purchase your tickets in advance, or $35 each if you buy them on the day of the event. Your ticket will allow you to tour the Mark Twain House, the Loomis-Wooley house, and the Renbrook School, as well as four homes in Hartford’s West End on Scarbough Street and Prospect Avenue. In addition to holiday decorations, each location will also feature live music.
To learn more about the event and where you can buy tickets, visit the Mark Twain House website…
House Styles
Often when I’m driving around looking at homes, I wonder “what’s that specific house style?” It’s easy to pick out the traditional colonial, tudor, raised ranch, etc., but what about a Federal vs. Georgian style colonial? Or a Queen Anne vs. Eastlake victorian? I sometimes have difficulties telling the differences with older homes.
Well, no more. About.com has a great picture dictionary that not only provides images, but describes distinguishing features that you can use to tell what differentiates design styles within the same category of home. Check it out to see if you can learn more about your house style.