For Immediate Release
September
28, 2012
Torrington Historic
Preservation Trust reduces the waiting period for the Kelley
Warehouse Demolition
The Torrington Historic
Preservation Trust (THPT) met recently to review the proposed
demolition of the Kelley property on Water Street. After meeting with
the owners’ representative and discussing the possible
alternatives, the THPT unanimously voted to reduce the 90-day waiting
period for demolition. Although the building is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, it has fallen into a state of
disrepair. A leaking roof has created serious structural problems and
there is significant environmental contamination in and around the
building that must be remediated.
The main reason for the
demolition of the structure is due to hazardous material
contamination throughout the site and specifically around the
foundation of the building. Unfortunately, in order to properly
remediate the site, a substantial portion of the foundation and the
interior floor needs to be excavated. Although this type of
remediation is possible, the owners believe
that it is not economically realistic to save the structure.
Even if the environmental problems could be resolved, the building
itself is in need of expensive repairs just to stabilize it and no
one is willing to make that investment.
For most historic
properties, the expenses of preservation and rehabilitation are a
reasonable investment to create a functional building with unique
character. In this case, the THPT and the Kelley Property owners had
hoped that the property would be sold to a buyer who would integrate
the historic building in a mixed use retail and residential
establishment. Unfortunately, such a deal did not materialize, and
the owners are compelled to move forward with the site cleanup and
demolition.
The THPT will continue
its mission of historic preservation education and community outreach
because understanding the value of these architecturally significant
properties is extremely important. Historic buildings give Torrington
a sense of identity by adding texture and history to the fabric of
our community. Each time one is demolished, the unique and historical
charm of Torrington changes forever. It is our belief that a
common-sense approach, combining preventative maintenance and an
understanding of our history, will encourage individuals to preserve
our heritage by restoring historic homes and buildings. We will
continue to work to find ways to rehabilitate and reuse these
structures and, in doing so, preserve Torrington’s historic
buildings and Torrington’s unique sense of place.
Sincerely,
Thomas P. Ethier
President
Torrington Historic
Preservation Trust
860-496-8947
tpethier@optonline.net
