Significant progress has been made on the restoration of the Hurlbut-Dunham House. Phase 1, the porch restoration and the addition of a handicap access ramp, is well underway. We are fortunate to have the expertise of our contractor, Kronenberger & Sons Restoration, and architect, Kent McCoy of QA+M Architecture, working with us to preserve this historic landmark. We are especially appreciative of our Advisory Board member, Bruce Bockstael, State Architect Emeritus, who has been actively engaged in guiding the project, visiting the site daily to provide valuable insight and support.

 

During the removal of the old porch, an unexpected discovery was made—the porch joists had been cut into the brownstone foundation, a construction method unfamiliar even to our experienced historic restoration specialists. The original porch, added around 1865 when Levi and Adelaide Goodwin transformed the house from the Georgian to the Italianate style, lacked proper footings, relying instead on wooden posts resting on the ground or stones.

 

To ensure long-term structural integrity, the foundation near the ground was repointed, and new concrete footings were installed so the porch is independent of the foundation. A sturdy framework has been constructed, and new decking, replicating the original, is being installed. Additionally, the porch’s decorated columns were carefully removed and transported to Kronenberger’s woodshop, where they have been meticulously restored. As the decking is completed, these columns will be reinstalled, restoring the porch to its original grandeur.

Construction on the handicap access ramp is also progressing well. Footings have been poured, and work is ongoing. The initial plan for a backyard pathway connecting the ramp to the Keeney parking lot has been revised following consultation with the Town Engineer. Instead, one or two designated handicapped parking spaces will be established on the street in front of the Hurlbut-Dunham House, and the existing side pathway to the ramp will be upgraded to meet ADA accessibility standards. It is expected that this phase of the project will be completed by mid-March.

The CT State Office of Historic Preservation (SHPO), with support from our State delegation—Jon Fonfara, Matt Lesser, Amy Bello, and Kerry Wood—provided the transformative Historic Restoration Fund Grant that made it possible for this project to be realized. This grant requires a 100% match, so the grant and this project would not be possible without the generous support of our individual donors and private grant funders who provided the matching funds.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to our ongoing Capital Campaign, as well as to the organizations that provided crucial funding: the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, the 1772 Foundation, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Ruth Wyllys Chapter, AARP, Americana Corner, and the Farmington Bank Community Foundation. Special thanks also go to major donors Lee G. Kuckro and Joan & Mike Munroe, and to Elaine St. Onge and Wes Sargent for their specific sponsorship of the handicap access ramp. Your generosity has played a pivotal role in preserving this historic property and making it more accessible to the public.

We look forward to sharing further updates as this important restoration project continues.