Historic Milford House Saved from Demolition - For Now

Release courtesy of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation

On Nov. 6, the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and the Milford Preservation Trust reached a settlement with the owners of the Sanford- Bristol house to prevent the house’s demolition.

The settlement came as a result of a lawsuit filed under Section 22a-19a of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act, which allows citizens to challenge unreasonable destruction of historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

An initial hearing was scheduled for Oct. 28, then postponed to allow a more thorough structural investigation. A hearing was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Superior Court in Derby. A settlement was reached by noon on the matter.

Property owners William P. Farrell Sr. and Gwendolyn Farrell were present in court. Residents of the River Park National Historic District, members of the Milford Preservation Trust and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as other Milford residents were also present.

The Farrells purchased the property in January of 2013 for $150,000 and intended to demolish it in order to build a more modern house on the property. In June of 2013 the town’s Historic District Commission approved an application to demolish the house. The owners claimed the building was unsafe.

James F. Norden, Principal at GNCB Consulting Engineers, P.C., from Old Saybrook performed a structural conditions assessment of the house on Monday, Nov. 4. He documented the property with digital photographs and careful notes from the basement stonewall to the attic and roof structure.

The purpose was to ascertain the current condition and deficiencies and to document the structural framing. Norden found that the condition of the Sanford-Bristol house is equal to historic houses of the same vintage. Typically houses from that time period suffer from deferred maintenance.

Norden explained that the repair work needed in the house is straightforward and can be accomplished by a competent historic restoration contractor based upon his condition assessment recommendations. All repairs for Historic properties are designed and executed based upon nationally recognized preservation standards.

Both parties negotiated and settled on selling the house within thirty days to an owner that will complete the rehabilitation. The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation will step in and purchase the house if a buyer does not come forward in the first 30 days.

After 67 days, if neither party can purchase the home the Farrell’s may proceed with the demolition as approved. The asking price for the house is $200,000- cash only.

The settlement gives the two Trusts until mid-January to find a new buyer who will complete the renovation of the house. Over the past months, several people have expressed interested in the property.

Built in 1790, the Sanford- Bristol house is a contributing resource in the River Park National Register district. With its uncommon outline- a gambrel roof in front and a lean-to in back- it belongs to a small but distinctive group in Milford, likely the work of a single builder, or a reflection of local tastes.

Helen Higgins, executive director for the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, was heartened by today's settlement.

“Selling is always an option as a prudent and feasible alternative for historic homes facing demolition. We are pleased that the house isn’t being torn down and that we have been given the opportunity to help find a new buyer.”

Please contact the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation if you are interested in viewing the home. Email: Milford@cttrust.org Phone: 203.562.6312