New London Landmarks

New London Landmarks

New London Landmarks is a non-profit corporation to promote the preservation and development of the entire urban environment of New London, Connecticut, including significant individual structures, streetscapes, neighborhoods and open spaces.

New London Landmarks was formed in 1976 when it merged with Union Railroad Station Trust to save Henry Hobson Richardson’s 1888 Union Station and buildings on Bank Street about to be demolished by Urban Renewal. In the 1990s the group restored a derelict house on Washington Street and today Landmarks offices are in the 1996 David Bishop House.

Sandra Kersten Chalk is Executive Director of the organization. While advocating for all aspects of preservation in New London, educational programs, walking tours, Forums on critical local issues, and working with city officials on planning activities are all part of the groups activities.

Current critical issues include the future of Riverside Park; exploring development opportunities in Fort Trumbull; re-connecting the center city with Connecticut College and the Coast Guard Academy; and revitalization efforts in the Historic Waterfront District.

ANNUAL AWARDS

Each year Landmarks Awards program calls attention to significant preservation efforts in the city.

Recognizing the special challenges of maintaining historic homes and buildings, we appreciate the efforts of homeowners to take that extra step in caring for their historic properties. The whole city benefits to see these beautiful homes, lining our neighborhood streets, looking their best.

Preservation Award: In 2010 the Preservation Award honored the 1900 home of William and Mallory Hannaford at 938 Ocean Avenue.

Clifford Stone Award: The Clifford Stone Award is named for a young New Londoner who wrote a moving book about growing up in the city during the days of Urban Renewal when he witnessed the demolition of vast areas of the city he loved. The Great Sunflower is a moving tribute to the city and our Clifford Stone Award is a tribute to this young man who died too early.
The 2010 Clifford Stone Award was presented to Dylan Gaffney and Grisha Nersesyan who are working to restore Lyric Hall at 245 State Street. The Lyric Café on the street level is now open and long-range plans call for the restoration of the theater on the upper floors.

Volunteer Award: All non profit organizations rely on their volunteers for a wide range of projects that simply cannot be done without this assistance. In 2010, Landmarks honored Karen McLaughlin for the financial consultation and guidance she provided.