SIMSBURY, CT — A long-planned renovation of Simsbury's historic Eno Memorial Hall is getting a $1.6 million boost from the state, helping the town move forward with major infrastructure improvements while reducing the local cost of the project.
The funding was approved by the Connecticut State Bond Commission Tuesday, Sept. 8, and it will support work that includes replacing the building's roof and installing a new HVAC system.
"This is really good news for Simsbury," Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis said in a social media post following the announcement.
"Eno has been on our capital plan for quite some time, and this helps us move the needle on much-needed infrastructure updates … and saves our taxpayers," Mackstutis said. "Thank you to the State of CT for recognizing this need."
State Sen. Paul Honig, D-Torrington, and state Rep. Melissa Osborne, D-Simsbury, announced the funding Tuesday and said they helped secure the grant.
Eno Memorial Hall, which has served as a community gathering place since 1932 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses the Simsbury Senior Center.
It also serves as a performing arts and community gathering venue.
Its roof and HVAC system are nearing the end of their useful lives, according to the lawmakers.
"For generations, the Eno Memorial Hall has supported the Simsbury community, bringing residents together and fostering new connections," Honig said.
Honig said the improvements would help preserve the building for decades and thanked Gov. Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting the work.
Osborne said the funding would help preserve an important Simsbury landmark that serves the senior center, Simsbury Community Media and numerous residents and organizations.
"Eno Memorial Hall plays an important role in the Simsbury community, and this critical funding will preserve this historic landmark for years to come," Osborne said.
She also credited Honig, Lamont, House Speaker Matt Ritter, House Majority Leader Jason Rojas and the State Bond Commission for supporting the project.
The overall Eno Memorial Hall project is expected to cost $5.6 million, with additional funding coming from the town and the Eno Wood Memorial Trust.
The project is expected to be completed in November 2028.
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