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!
After two years away because of the pandemic, JELLO volunteered again to work at a NINA project site, this time at 847 Asylum. The group of six cleaned up the site, removing debris and dust from the floor, and they put in a tremendous effort on our behalf. We’re already looking forward to the next time they can volunteer!
There were some familiar faces at work today at 847 Asylum! Jeff Giddings, Bob Rosenberg, and Mike Stockman worked on the framing for the new floor plans on the second floor.
A group from Fresh Start Pallet Products was working on the porch at 29 Ashley Street today. First step, taking down the old porch! At the same time, the house was being painted, and now the house’s final form has begun to emerge. In the afternoon, Bernie Michel joined in, helping to dig a hole for the footing, and that’s Ken Johnson over on the far right of that photo.
Noticed this weird pattern of sunlight on Collins Street, and then I turned around to see the source.
Trinity Health New England is demolishing the parking garage that sat at the corner of Collins and Atwood Streets. The work has exposed some views of the hospital that haven’t been seen in awhile! At least not from the street level. The garage was long enough that it cut off camera angles.
Rough electrical underway, and the exterior prepped for painting.
The third floor has been framed to include a door.
The old institutional kitchen is gone! Also, there’s a bathtub in the parlor. Meanwhile, upstairs, the new floor plan begins to take shape.
At a press conference today, State Representative (and Speaker of the House) Matt Ritter announced $1.3 million for the State's Community Investment Fund for the rehabilitation of the Comet Diner. Ritter was joined by Luke Bronin, Hartford Mayor; Douglas McCrory, State Senator for the 2nd District; Wayne Benjamin, Georgetown Associates; David MacDonald, executive director, AHNA; and Jackie McKinney, chair, AHNA. Ritter, who represents the 1st District in the State House, has been an active supporter of projects in Asylum Hill, including NINA's projects. AHNA helped put together the application for this funding. The combined support from government and community is a real boost for this project, and it will restore an important landmark and restaurant in Asylum Hill.
The Comet Diner was only one of the location's various incarnations. It was originally the Aetna Diner; later it was Oasis (which also had Pancho's, a Mexican restaurant, in the basement), Mississippi Grille, and Dishes.
