The carriage barn at Lauralton Hall, will soon undergo Phase I of a two-part project to restore it to the richness of its original Victorian Gothic style. This initial exterior work is being made possible thanks to a Historic Restoration Fund grant of $103,400 from the State of Connecticut and a matching and supplemental gift of $150,000 from benefactors Jim and Mildred Mooney of Orange. The carriage barn, as well as the Lauralton mansion and the water tower were built in 1864 on the estate of Charles H. Pond.
The Mooneys are enthusiastic about the renovation, which is scheduled to begin in late spring of this year. “Mil and I are so pleased to be able to help Lauralton restore and reuse one of the most distinguished architectural landmarks on its campus,” noted Jim Mooney. “It will be great to have the students enjoy and put to good use such an iconic structure.” Mildred Mooney is a member of Lauralton Hall’s Class of 1950.
“The carriage barn at Lauralton Hall is not just any old barn,” said Milford City Historian Richard N. Platt, Jr. “It’s an architectural treasure. The barn was originally used to store carriages and horses at the Pond mansion. The names of the horses are still over the stalls. It’s a beautiful building. There is not anything else remotely like it in the city.” The barn’s gambrel gables, multi-colored slate roofing, cupola, and fascia trim are among its distinguishing features.
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When finished, the carriage barn will be a significant asset to the school and to the local community. “Our music program is among our most popular on campus,” said President Antoinette Iadarola. “It is perfect space for our students to practice and perform. By moving our current music program to the carriage barn, we will be creating new and more modern classroom space. It’s truly a win-win for our students.”
The public will benefit as well. In accordance with the grant application, Lauralton plans to use the carriage barn to expand its summer program offerings in music, dance, and drama. The summer program and events such as concerts and recitals will be open to the surrounding community. The building will also be available for gatherings of the Milford Historical Society, the Milford Arts Center, the Chamber of Commerce, and for residents of an adjacent senior housing community.
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Lauralton Hall is listed on the State Register of Historic Places by the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council. In September 2011, the 30-acre campus was added to the Federal Register of Historic Places. The current grant from the State Historic Preservation Office of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development will allow Lauralton to expand its commitment to the preservation of its historic character.
The grant application was enthusiastically supported with letters of recommendation from Richard Platt, former Milford Mayor James L. Richetelli, Jr., State Senator Gayle Slossberg and United States Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro. According to Congresswoman DeLauro, “I know from personal experience how special the grounds are at Lauralton Hall because I attended as a young woman. Lauralton Hall serves many in the community and this structure will only enhance the environment in which students can learn and grow.”
For more information about how you can make help preserve Lauralton’s history, contact Lisa Hottin, Executive Director of Development at lhottin@lauraltonhall.org.
