Conference Center Proposed For Former Mel Gibson Greenwich Estate

GREENWICH, CT — A new plan has been proposed for a backcountry estate on Old Mill Road, which includes a mansion once owned by actor Mel Gibson.

The plan, which was put forward by Foundation House, LLC, and is currently in the pre-application stage, calls for the property to be turned into "a non-profit center for learning, focused on health, wellness, art and social justice," according to documents submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

During the commission's Aug. 5 meeting, attorney Thomas Heagney said the property spans 75 acres and borders Old Mill Road on its north side and the Merritt Parkway from the south. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"This is one of those great estates," Heagney said during the meeting, "and this is an opportunity...to enhance the property and keep it as a great estate."

In its current stage, the plan calls for the existing mansion and outbuildings to be retained, and a new conference center would be constructed. Horse trails on the property would be restored and available for public use as well, and a grist mill on the property's east side will be preserved, according to the documents.

The new center would be used to host workshops, lectures and other "meaningful gatherings" on subjects such as historical preservation, farm to table nutrition, community building and social justice, among other topics.

"One of the real advantages of this site is that the activity is going on in the center of this 75-acre [property]," Heagney said.

A new structure called the "Glass Barn," built from local and salvaged materials, would be designed to accommodate up to 300 guests for private or philanthropic functions. A separate structure referred to as the "Log Cabin" would be able to hold up to 15 guests for yoga or spiritual wellness retreats.

The original estate mansion would also be restored, preserved and utilized, with a maximum capacity of 200 guests for flowing gatherings.

Heagney told the commission a more formal plan would be put together and presented next month.

"I think we have the issues you want us to focus on and elaborate on a bit more," Heagney said. "We'll put that together over the summer and get that to you in September, so we can move forward with the application."

According to the Greenwich Time, town resident Mimi Sternlicht and Foundation House currently own the property. Sternlicht, who lives near the property, is a philanthropist who has been active in the nonprofit and design fields.

Last year, the property's former owner, Cosette Property LLC, submitted a plan to the town's Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency to build 28 new condos on the 75-acre estate, however a number of residents expressed concerns about different aspects of the plan.

On its website, the Round Hill Association, which represents area community members, claims they "successfully blocked" this plan.

See also: Residents Oppose Plan For Mel Gibson's Former Greenwich Estate

Heagney noted the association has been "very receptive" of the new proposal. Nancy Duffy, the association's vice president, also voiced her support for the plan during the meeting.

"Our board is well aware of this application," Duffy said, "and we are strongly in favor of it."

A 2015 listing for Gibson's former mansion boasted features such as a pool, putting greens, a tennis court and a walk-in fireplace, in addition to 15 bedrooms and a six-stall horse stable.