First Church of Christ Congregational
12 South Main Street

(click here for photos)

The sensitive new addition of a landscape design by Peter Chow of Oak Park Architects, LLC, complements the historic church and its setting in West Hartford Center. The jurors were impressed with the imaginative way the garden, fountain, labyrinth, and benches line the meeting house and chapel while welcoming the wider community of the town.

The fine design by architect Richard L. Hughes, III, integrates beautifully with the historic building and surmounts the constraints of the site. The new kitchen and hearth mirror as well as protect the original and truly enable 18th century daily life of the Webster family to continue into the 21st century.

The beauty of abundant year-round plantings grace this complementary garden and patio which the owners meticulously tend to themselves. The jury was impressed by the way they followed the original footprint for the front brick walkway and steps. Boulevard-Raymond Road Historic District residents as well as passers-by are cheered by this splendid landscape design for the 1923 Colonial Revival/Tudor home.

The restoration by David Booth Beers III, CGR, of Lester Beach Scheide’s original 1930 design is magnificent. The jury marveled at the wide scope of the work done: slate roof, front entry portico, removal of inappropriate vinyl siding followed by replacement with cedar clapboards; complete exterior repainting and staining, rebuilding of the brick courtyard wall; recreation of original landscape design; exterior lighting; and even the mailbox. The extensive research and use of photographic evidence accompanied by constant attention to quality workmanship and materials led to such a true restoration of the former grandeur of this home that it appears as if nothing has ever changed.

The massing of forms in the sympathetic two-story addition is appropriate for the original 1920 four-square style of the house and a charming period paint color scheme in two shades of green with brick red accents adds a finishing touch to the entire property. The jurors commended Ms. LaMotta’s “virtuous” restraint in following the simple lines of the house!

The sympathetic addition of a family room, expanded kitchen, mud room, and porch to this 1922 Colonial Revival style home accommodates modern life while maintaining historic architecture. The jurors applauded the Sappington’s great job of matching new and old, back to front. They were most impressed with the replication of stone and brickwork for the new chimney, walkways and patio; porch columns; clapboards; and even seamless paint application.

Bill Manchuck worked right alongside master craftsman carpenter, Paul Rouleau, during the meticulous restoration of cedar shingles to the entire property and replication of the distinctive “flare” between the two stories of the 1916 Colonial revival style home. The jury was intrigued by the story of how this house was formerly the “clubhouse” of the white golf course named after family owners who lived in the neighborhood. Now it has been give a new life.

The original slate roof as well as stone steps, walls and pillars surrounding the house have been meticulously restored. The jury found the seamless correction of the irregular roof ridgeline to be commendable. The Mittelmanns followed Historic District Guidelines in order to preserve the original architecture of their 1911 Georgian Revival style home located in the Buena Vista Historic District.