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Table of Contents (T.o.C.)
NEW!
Wethersfield.Net: Few Pictures from Tour in NEW window.
1. Wethersfield.Net: Bulletin from "Calendar" page 02.08.27
2. Peter Maxwell: Detailed Touring Suggestions 02.08.29
3. George A Ruhe: "We see opportunities" 02.08.29
4. Rocco Orsini: "What a gem that facility is" 02.08.30
5. George A. Ruhe: "Don't put the BOE at town hall" 02.08.30
6. Robert Garrey: "An excellent location for the BOE" 02.09.02
7. Rick Garrey: "This is an irreplacable asset" 02.09.03
8. Edward Kardas: "Learn from our successes and failures" 02.09.05
9. John Wallace: "Stillman building for BOE" 02.09.18
LS.Leigh Standish: "Something has to be done" 02.07.16
1. wethersfield.net bulletin announcing the tour
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» ATT: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC - YES, YOU, taxpayer, citizen, parent: Tour the Francis-Stillman School on Hartford Av (near Hanmer School) Thurs: Aug.29: 4:30p. See what it is & is not. Think of what it might be. Arranged by Town of Weth and Weth' Taxpayers Assoc: WTxA.
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2. Peter Maxwell: Thursday, August 29, 2002 11:22 AM
From: Peter_Maxwell@URSCorp.com
To: Rocco R. Orsini: rocco.orsini@pw.utc.com
Cc: ekardas@sbcglobal.net; G902577@ehposrv2.eh.pweh.com; garuhe@snet.net; hoploans@snet.net; jimmiesee@aol.com; rgarrey@snet.net
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2002 11:22 AM
Subject: RE: Francis-Stillman facility tour
Enjoy your tour! Allow me to give you some pointers. Bring flashlights.
Starting with the outside:
After the Historic District Commission voted down the Town's request to bulldoze the building in 1999, Council appropriated funds for exterior bandaids to secure the building from water infiltration.
Today should be a good day to observe how well that was handled. For years (15+/-), downspouts were missing, resulting in mortar being washed out and water seeping into the lower level corners. New gutters and downspouts were installed, the mortar in those areas was repointed, missing slates were installed, and the buillt-up roof was replaced in fall 1999.
Full exterior renovation, including window replacements, concrete lintel repairs, cornice painting, copper flashing replacements, snow guards, etc., should be part of the project. I have surveyed and priced all this work with contractors. We're talking in the range of $100.000 - 200,000. The slates have been checked and have a lot of life left in them.
Moving to the basement:
You are likely entering on the south side {Francis Street}, with an office on the right which is full of removed copper gutter and downspout material. A corner stairway goes down to the stage door.
Last time I was in the building, there was no evidence of continued moisture problems at the building corner since the downspout problem was corrected. Note in this corner and the other building corners that there are no structural cracks resulting from freeze/thaw or foundation settlement - only plaster patching and paint scraping are required.
The room on the other side of the stair, the bathroom, is the worst looking space in the builidng, This doesn't matter, since it would be gutted and re-configured as the building's handicapped - accessible, women's bathroom.
Note that all overhead heat and hot water piping in this lower level {basement} has been insulated with fiberglass - previous asbestos insulation was removed. (The only asbestos insulation I noted was on the boiler itself, which would be removed.)
Note the sprinkler system, which apparently serves only the first floor. For a business use, it does not need to be extended to the rest of the building, but the cost should be explored, especially if the existing equipment can be utilized.
Moving to the multi-purpose space
{central in basement}:
Renovation and access will depend on what use it will be put to. I'm thinking file storage - potentially 100% of town's archived files. A bridge will be required between the bathrooms on opposite sides. An elevator would extend out from the back of the building, centered on the back wall. This would provide the required accessible path to bathrooms and outside from all levels of the building.
Men's bathroom beyond
{north side, basement}:
This will also require gutting and reconfiguration for handicap requirements. Walk through the multi-purpose space to the stage door and stair on the left into another office. Same comments as opposite office space. Continue past stairs to boiler room stairs. 1996 report by Valenti, Turner & Hart estimated boiler replacement as a $30,000 project. Some electrical upgrades were suggested. Obviously. we would instead go with a new panel and full re-wiring at this point.
Go upstairs to the main floor:
Here are four 28'x32' classrooms in the corners {of the building} with corridors between.
Note the ceiling height, which permits new ductwork and wiring to be concealed above a suspended ceiling. The natural light and spaciousness of the main hallway suggests its use as foyer/reception/gallery space, not wasted corridor space as has been suggested by the Building Committee.
Bear in mind that this is an historic structure in basically well-preserved condition. All original elements should be retained, if practical. It appears there is no reason not to. The original doors and woodwork throughout will clean up nicely. The office use will be much lighter impact on the building than school use it has handled.
Some of the classrooms have been subdivided.
These partitions would be removed for re-configuration. Note that original surfaces and millwork are all intact and ready for re-finishing. I have handed out copies of suggested subdivisions of the spaces into office suites and office cubicles (7 per classroom) to Pierson, Building Committee and Council. {!*}Contact me if you'd like copies.
Back corridor:
Location provides ready access to all points. Window would be replaced by elevator door. (Elevator with brick enclosure is $100,000 - 150,000 item, per other building project budgets.) Bathrooms could be removed, since unneeded (probably built as teacher bathrooms).
Upstairs:
Layout is the same, with the addition of an office over the main building entrance {Hartford Ave, east side}. This should serve well as a lunch break room, though I would guess school administration staff would want a bigger space.
Ceiling damage: Note plaster damage in southwest classroom {nearest Hanmer School}. This is due to years of flat roof leaking. The veneer coat doesn't even need to be patched if suspended ceiling is to be installed. I have spent hours in the {!*} attic. No structural damage has occurred from roof leaks. One section of flat roof decking should be replaced with a proper roof job.
Stairs:
Two stairs are required per Code. The existing stairs appear to meet requirements, but doors or hardware replacement or adapting may be required.
Building capacity:
Eight classrooms on 2nd & 3rd levels appear to easily accommodate staff of 25 - 30, with one room used for large staff and public conference room. In addition, there are the two offices and multipurpose space on the first floor.
Site:
Existing parking area accommodates approximately 35 vehicles. This should be about right for daily use by 25 -30 staff. Expansion towards Francis Street provides a few more spaces without impacting adjacent park.
In summary:
I hope that you come to the same conclusion as I have:
This is a structurally sound building of historical value to the Town, constructed of low maintenance exterior materials, with open interior spaces which lend themselves to flexible use. The interior is dirty and in need of a thorough paint job and flooring. Electical and mechanical services need to be upgraded. This adds up to a very basic renovation project. Size-wise it appears to be appropriate - as is - for school administration needs.
We could go the route of designating Frances-Stillman School an historic landmark, but it would complicate the project and likely cost us more time and money in the long run. It would,however, protect it from the short-sightedness of future Councils. Please feel free to contact me with questions.
Peter H. Maxwell: peter_maxwell@urscorp.com
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3. George A Ruhe: Thursday, August 29, 2002 7:56 PM
From: George A Ruhe: garuhe@snet.net
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2002 7:56 PM
To: Doug Maine; John Cascio; Rocco Orsini
Cc: Kitch Czernicki (Mayor); Peter Maxwell
Subject: Fw: Francis-Stillman facility tour
Gentleman:
Per our discussion during the tour, attached find a copy of the very competent assessment, by Peter Maxwell, regarding Stillman School.
As a number of us said during the tour, "Others may see nothing but problems, but we see opportunities."
I am also sending a copy to Mayor Czernicki {Not in attendance on tour} in order that she also may be informed.
Regards: George A Ruhe
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4. Rocco Orsini: Friday, August 30, 2002 10:16 AM
From: Rocco Orsini: orsinirr@pweh.com
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2002 10:16 AM
Subject: RE: Francis-Stillman facility tour
It was very encouraging to see so many people take the tour with such enthusiasm and some with video cameras and regular cameras. In addition to a strong showing by WTXA members, it was a pleasure to see Councilman John Cascio, Rick Garrey of TV14, Doug Maine of Wethersfield Life and Dr.Ken {of Wethersfield.Net} also in attendance.
Before I toured the Francis-Stillman, I will admit I was a skeptic and even as I started the tour I was a little down as the interior was dark, dank and musty in spots.
However, as the tour progressed, my demeanor began to change as I looked out the large windows and observed the very pleasing views of the ballfields to the west, the tennis courts to the north and the historic homes to the east. I said to myself "I could work here", but how would the building really look when it is renovated.
I then recalled a conversion with Peter Maxwell as he explained to me that this building would look very similar to the Keeney Center on Main Street. With that comparison in mind, I than became convinced that this Francis-Stillman building could be a very desirable place to work. Plus, it puts a non-performing asset to work.
I do not plan to endorse any relocation of the BOE offices at this time as I think it is important to wait for the results of the business cases {??}. However, the one conclusion I personally have made, at this time, is that the BOE offices should NOT be included in a renovated Webb Elementary School.
Again, the tour of the Webb school showed me what a gem that facility is and even if the facility is slightly larger than our current needs I am sure we can be creative and put the excess to temporary productive school use.
Rocco Orsini: orsinirr@pweh.com
{Pres., Weth' Taxpayers Association}
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5. George A. Ruhe: Friday, August 30, 2002 5:38 PM
From George A. Ruhe
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2002 5:38 PM
Subject: Re: Francis-Stillman facility tour
To: Rocco Orsini
Dear Rocco:
I essentially concur, but I would go one step further.
Don't put the BOE at town hall.
If that happens, I believe Stillman will continue to deteriorate, until there would be no reasonable alternative to demolition. Give the BOE a permanent long term home, away from future pressures that are sure to develop at Town Hall.
Regards: George A Ruhe: garuhe@snet.net
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6. Robert Garrey: Monday, September 2, 2002 12:13 AM
From: Robert Garrey: rgarrey@snet.net
On: Monday, September 2, 2002 12:13 AM
Subject: Francis-Stillman School Property tour
To: Dr.Ken Sokolowski
The Francis Stillman School represents an unfortunate problem in Wethersfield, the existence of underutilized assets for which absolutely no effort is being expended to protect and preserve. The building is filthy, full of broken furniture. How is it possible that we can't even trim the shrubs in front of the building, or paint the entrance door on the back of the building facing the park. There is an enormous vine growing in through one of the front windows because our town employees can't spend a couple of hours a season trimming the plantings.
All that being said, the Francis Stillman School is a wonderful building; great location, beautiful architecture, large spaces, and flooded with natural light. This facility would be an excellent location for the BOE Administrative offices, even if slightly more expensive than other alternatives. It cannot be torn down, it can not be used for private enterprise, and it can't be allowed to be an empty eyesore any longer.
Robert Garrey
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7. Rick Garrey: Tuesday, September 3, 2002 06:54 AM
From: Garrey, Rick: RGarrey@c-cor.net
On: Tuesday, September 3, 2002 06:54 AM
Subject: RE: Francis-Stillman School Property
To: Dr.Ken Sokolowski: wethersfield.net
On Thursday Aug. 29, I attended the tour of the Francis Stillman School. This was the first time I had been in there since the nature center was housed there.
I was not surprised by anything I saw. It was pretty much what I expected to see. As a matter of fact it was a kind of deja vu.
I walked through the Col. John Chester School approximately 15 - 20 years ago right before it was torn down. That school was very similar in design to the Stillman School. The other similarities were the garbage that was left around and the obvious signs of years of neglect and lack of basic maintenance.
Wethersfield has torn down a number of its beautiful, old school buildings and now this is the last one of its kind left in town. All over the country people have realized the value in preserving old buildings and renovating them for new uses. These types of buildings are too cost prohibitive to build today, but the architecture definitely adds to the historic nature of Old Wethersfield.
As far as a use for the building, I think this is a perfect match for the School Administration. As far as the amount of space, I would have to believe you could easily fit the approximately 30 employees who work for the administration. What an impressive space it would be!
Would the building need a lot of work? Absolutely, but any renovation or new construction involves challenges. In this case though I think the end results would be worth the effort. In my opinion, I believe the earlier estimates are high, and this building deserves another look.
If it turns out that it doesn't work out for the Administration then we can explore other uses. We can not let this building be torn down; it cannot be replaced.
The town needs to understand that this is an irreplacable asset and a piece of our history and lets work together to find a suitable use for it.
Rick Garrey
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8. Edward Kardas: Thur, 2002.09.05
From: Edward Kardas: ekardas@sbcglobal.net
On: Thur, 2002.09.05
To: Dr.Ken Sokolowski: drken@wethersfield.net
Subject: Francis-Stillman School Property & recent tour
Phrase: "learn from our successes and failures"
The former Francis-Stillman School building is more than the external brick and mortar seen from Hartford Avenue, Francis Street or even Garden Street.
To go beyond the external appears, 10-15 residents took a tour of the building on August 29, 2002. While impressions may be misleading, the group as a whole seemed favorably impacted by what it saw. While a similar tour would be needed to gain a personal impression of the structure, layout of rooms and corridors, an abbreviated word portrayal may suffice for you to recognize the gem in the rough current Francis - Stillman building condition represents.
The transformation taking place on the Broad Street Green, where the Aforismo Family has undertaken the formidable task of restoring the former Silas W. Robbins House, is a correlating example of the possible. Like the Aforismo Family, we, the residents of Wethersfield, have an opportunity to accept a similar renovation challenge: the Francis - Stillman building.
As a school building, the Francis -Stillman consisted of classrooms on two levels with a combination auditorium and gymnasium on yet another {basement}.
Visualize entering the building for the moment through the up-and-down one of the staircases at each end of a broad central corridor that runs the length of the building on both the second and third floor levels. A large classroom is located in each of the four quadrants of the two floors, totaling eight. Each classroom having been architecturally designed to accommodate 35-students. On the second level, there is also an entryway to-and-from Hartford Avenue. On the first level there is a centrally located auditorium with an open stage and space to accommodated an about 280 student-and-staff population.
Now visualize renovating the eight 35-student classrooms into modern steelcase type offices and conference rooms to accommodate both staff and supervision totaling 25-35 people, with storage of school records and supplies in the former auditorium, and a visitor reception desk or two plus displays from the School District in two broad corridors. Possible?
Construction of a totally new equivalent building today might cost two or three times the identified 1999 renovation price tag of $750,000-1,000,000 that included adding an elevator and upgrading utilities to code requirements. Obviously, both inflation and the amenities included in any renovation will determine the final cost.
The located of the Francis - Stillman in Old Wethersfield is adjacent to Standish Park with Hamner School and Mikey's Place within view. With a residential neighborhood that has its own natural rhythm, the periodic interruptions are from the gleeful play of elementary school children from Hamner School as well as youngsters using Standish Park and Mikey's Place.
Having been vacant for a number of years, the Town Government in 1999 proposed that the Francis - Stillman be demolished and included as part of Standish Park. Recognizing that the building represented a segment of our architecture history, the proposal was denied by the Historic District.
Without cultural artifacts such as the Buttoph - Williams House, the Webb -Deane -Stevens Museum, the Cove Warehouse and many other historic houses, Wethersfield's memory would be limited, and without memory how would we-as a community, state and nation--learn from our successes and failures?
As a community, we can help ensure the cultural heritage of Wethersfield by renovating: first, the former Francis - Stillman School as office space to house the Central School Administration and Board of Education; and, second, the Webb School on Willow Street as an elementary school to provide classrooms to handle projected student enrollment increases over the next 10-years, while preserving its auditorium and gymnasium for continued community use.
Ed Kardas
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9. John Wallace: Wed, 2002.09.18
From: "John Wallace" jwallacect@earthlink.net
On: Sept. 18, 2002
Subject: Francis Stillman School Building
To: ltte@wethersfield.net
As one who attended K thru 6 at Francis Stillman school from 1935 - 1941, and who still lives in Wethersfield, I may be somewhat biased in expressing my thoughts on the subject.
The mere presence of this building and the fundamentally unchanged surrounding area represents one of the key elements in making Wethersfield a wonderful place to live and to bring up a family. If I had been in town I would have surely taken the tour.
Unfortunately, many of the past decisions regarding town facilities have ignored the inherent value of older structures in favor of new construction that town officials can point to as their legacy. Restoring an older, more historic, and fundamentally more solidly constructed property does not seem to have the same attraction to those making the political decisions.
My wife and I spend our summers at our second home in northeastern Vermont. This area of Vermont is economically depressed and a school like the Stillman school would be a coveted asset, far superior to the "modular" classrooms (trailers) currently in use in a very cold climate. To suggest that a building like this has no potential use in Wethersfield is an affront to one's intelligence.
I believe the cost of upgrading the Stillman building for BOE use would represent good value to the taxpayers while preserving a part of Wethersfield that shouldn't fall to the wrecking ball. Unless town government is becoming smaller, which seems unlikely when one reviews past and present budgets, other potential uses are sure to develop.
Sincerely, John M. Wallace: jwallacect@earthlink.
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LS: Leigh Standish: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 15:50:35
From: Leigh Standish: standish1@earthlink.net
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 15:50:35 -0400
To: Wethersfield Town Council
CC: Wethersfield.net
Subject: Francis-Stillman School
I saw that last evening's meeting included some discussion of the Francis-Stillman building again. I am pleased to see that Council has not forgotten that the building exists, though its deteriorating condition would suggest otherwise.
Apparently, at least some on Council, and the entire audience, do not know that there are deed restrictions on what can be done at the site. Fortunately, the Francis, Stillman and Standish families at least protected that block of land from the foibles of future generations. Either the land on which the building resides can be used for a school, a park or other town building. It cannot be sold. It cannot be used by the private sector. In fact, it cannot be employed for a State or Federal public sector use.
Something has to be done with the building. If the plan is to wait until it deteriorates to the degree that it can be condemned, in order to override the HDC's ruling, shame on you. Please remember the school buildings that were either converted to other uses or demolished, for which we would do much to have now.
Given the need for classrooms, Webb should be devoted to that purpose. Perhaps maintenance and operations for the BOE can be relocated to town hall. Thus, the final requirements for BOE would fit nicely within the existing shell of Francis-Stillman at a reasonable cost.{....}
Sincerely, Leigh Standish
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As more emails and their ruminations on the subject of the Francis-Stillman School property are received, they will be added here if chosen for publication.
Editor's Note: Those words or phrases above in right and left braces {e.g.} are my own and not those of the email's author.
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