A series of entries designed to capture the ongoing adventures of NINA! See how we came to be where we are today, and follow along as we enter the new century of social media!
This year’s Kwanzaa on the Hill was a major undertaking – an upgrade from last year’s Breakfast Bash with Friends – and it involved multiple partners and multiple things going on during the event. These photos are of the balloons going up, the food being set out, and the gifts for kids being prepped for distribution.
Seen this morning, on my walk to the Kwanzaa on the Hill event. This is the staircase, on the east side of Sigourney Street, up from Capitol Avenue.
How did I miss this on my previous visits? It’s also very interesting to think that this feature, certainly historic, was left in place and intact when TSKP built the addition on the house. I’ll have to ask them about this one.
If nothing else, it’s been awhile since I could go in through the front door. Plus that new staircase: wow! Tiling in the bathrooms, which is why the toilet is in a different room and serving as a table.
The two newel posts are original, which is why they are painted right now.
NINA received a 2025 Connecticut Preservation Award for is work restoring the Plimpton House at 847 Asylum Avenue. The award recognized NINA and its team members, which included Crosskey Architects, James K. Grant Associations, John Canning & Company, the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, the Housing Division of the Hartford Department of Development Services, the Capital Region Development Authority, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and the Hartford Insurance Group. Karen Pannone and I attended the event as guests of Crosskey Architects.
From the award jury’s comments: “This project is a strong example of sensitive rehabilitation, preserving an impressive array of original interior features—including millwork, stained glass, and decorative stencils—while thoughtfully adapting the home for multi-family use. Jurors praised the tactful execution, light-touch approach, and skillful integration of new elements, all reflecting the expertise of an experienced preservation architect. The restored period rooms are beautifully executed, and new interventions are discreetly and respectfully incorporated.”
Pictured here are, from left to right: Peter Smith, Crosskey Architects; Laura Crosskey, Crosskey Architects; Michael Weissbrod, Crosskey Architects; David Corrigan, NINA; David Goslin, Crosskey Architects; Garrett Coady, Crosskey Architects; and David Metcalf, Crosskey Architects.
