2016 NHPT House Preservation Award

Nelson Hotchkiss House
621 Chapel Street

Architect: Attributed to Henry Austin
Date: 1850
Owner: Andrew Ehrgood and Jane Lee

Exterior Renovation Date: c.2013

Federal. Georgian. Gothic. Italianate. Indeed one of the most endearing aspects of New Haven residential life is the pockets of charming historical neighborhoods spread within its boundaries. Even as the city grows and technology continues to advance, these neighborhoods have managed to retain both their architecturally-unique and individual characteristics, thereby enchanting generations of inhabitants with their historical relevance. Nowhere is this spirit of preservation captured or continued with more success than in the area of Wooster Square, and the home of Jane Lee and Andrew Ehrgood. For not only does their home tell the story of Wooster Square’s formative years, but also captures a pivotal era of vibrant urban renewal and modernism in the city’s 20th century history. Today, the Nelson Hotchkiss House remains a testament to many periods of New Haven’s history. Following a sensitive adaptation, the residence has maintained its relevancy to its community — both those in the present as well as those in the past.

2016 NHPT Merit Award

Winchester Lofts (Formerly part of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company)
275 Winchester Avenue

Architect: Leoni W. Robinson
Date: c.1915

Project Developer: Forest City Residential Group; Abe Naparstek, Senior Vice President
Project Architect: DiMella Shaffer
Renovation Date: 2015

New Haven continues the phoenix-like transformation of its industrial architectural heritage with the adaptive conversion of a key building of the former Winchester Repeating Arms Factory complex into 158 unique apartments. Vacant for many years, the now-renovated brick building is a compelling fit for contemporary living in a 125 year-old structure. The block long, three- and four-story structures are a classic form of factory architecture: tall windows creating naturally-lit work spaces; high ceilings for shaft and belt-driven lathes and other machinery; wood, concrete and steel framing; and wood floors. The New Haven Preservation Trust was instrumental in nominating the Winchester Repeating Arms Company industrial complex to the National Register of Historic Places.

2016 NHPT Landmark Award

Knights of Columbus Building
One Columbus Plaza

Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
Date: 1969
Owner: Knights of Columbus

Façade Replacement Architect: Leo A. Daly
Façade Replacement: 2014

The Knights of Columbus building is a rare being: an icon in modern architecture. Conceived without the luxury of a historical precedent, this 23-story statement structure became preeminent the moment it was finished in 1969. It is both gateway to the city of New Haven and focal point: both architecture and sculpture, serving civic and corporate functions, it is definitively iconic. The tower is a diagram of architectural distillation: concrete piers support distinctly offset steel floor plates, between which glass walls span. It is with these glass walls that the architectural firm of Leo A. Daly reintroduced the concepts of building architect Roche Dinkeloo, with both a reverence and fealty to design that is exceptional. The costs of the custom-crafted and complete reengineering are significant, and are really only necessary if you truly value the aesthetics of a building. The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council deserves full commendation for their recognition of the civic and aesthetic significance of their headquarters; a gift they gave to the New Haven cityscape almost 50 years ago. If you value something, it is essential that you put your money where your values are. The Knights of Columbus have done just that through the sensitive restoration of their iconic headquarters: reinforcing not only their tradition of service, but also supporting the city of New Haven, and a citizen’s commitment to protecting a legacy of Modernism.