Neighbor News
Vista Celebrates Renovations at Westbrook Campus
First of a planned three-phase renovation project at historic house has been completed
The first phase of renovations to the Vista Life Innovations Dormitory and Residence Hall in Westbrook, known officially as the historic Capt. Joseph W. Spencer House, were marked during a ceremonial celebration on June 13 attended by local and state dignitaries.
Home to more than 26 students in Vista's transitional program, the Capt. Joseph W. Spencer House is in the midst of a planned three-phase renovation project that aims to improve safety, accessibility and living space for the students living on campus.
Funding for the recently completed first phase was underwritten in part by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) through Connecticut's Historic Restoration Fund and the Community Investment Act— a joint initiative of the state and Eversource Energy.
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"We were very pleased to be a part of this project," Mary Dunne, certified local government and grants coordinator at SHPO, said during the ceremony. "This is especially gratifying for us."
Located at 1356 Old Clinton Road, the house—built circa 1850—was added to the State Register of Historic Places in 2014. This historic designation paved the way for Vista to apply for a $200,000 matching grant from SHPO, which it was awarded in 2015.
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As a community partner on this project, Eversource agreed to purchase the tax credits Vista received, allowing additional revenue for renovations.
"This is an example of where tax dollars are being put back into the community, and we think it's important to partner with organizations like Vista," said Tom Dorsey, manager of Legislative Affairs for Eversource. "We look forward to working with Vista going forward and other organizations as we preserve structures and bring about new uses."
The ceremony drew more than 50 people, including Westbrook First Selectman Noel Bishop, state Sen. Art Linares, state Rep. Devin Carney, and state Rep. Jesse MacLachlan.
With campuses in Westbrook, Madison and Guilford, Vista is a nationally accredited community-based program that provides services and resources for individuals with disabilities.
