Guilford First Selectman Provides Update On Grass Island Red Shack

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey on Thursday provided an update on the iconic Grass Island red shack, which was damaged during a storm that moved through the area on April 11.

"Our priority right now is to secure the building and prevent further damage. Janice Plaziak, town engineer, is actively collaborating with the structural engineer and several contractors to evaluate how to best move the building to higher ground until a new foundation can be designed and built," Hoey said in a post on Facebook.

He said the building currently appears to be secure, and moving it will likely happen next week. The structure cold potentially be moved twice, with repairs as needed and a new foundation.

"We’re exploring two options for moving the structure, each with different scenarios and costs," he said. "At this time, it is not possible to determine the amount needed to secure and make repairs."

Guilford had already come up with plans to move the shack back 60 feet to a new foundation before the April 11 storm changed the course of action. Hoey said the engineering firm Guilford hired for the project was supposed to be at the site this week for boring tests for new pilings.

"No funds have been allocated to the project beyond the $15,000 from ARPA funds already approved for the test boring and foundation design," Hoey said Thursday. "This work is scheduled to start next week as well."

Plaziak told Patch earlier this week the site presents a few challenges, as equipment and supplies need to be brought over by barge, and work is dependant on the tides.

The history of the shack dates back to 1914 when a local druggist named J. Harrison Monroe decided to build a summer cottage on the west shore of Grass Island, according to a website dedicated to preserving the landmark.

The structure has moved from its original location on the west shore of the island, and the town has owned it since the mid 1960s. It has become a beloved landmark in Guilford, especially for photographers and painters.