Alliance Kicks Off with Seminar on Economic Benefits of Historic Property Protection
“This is one of the most important initiatives for Greenwich to embrace. Our heritage dating to 1640 is an incalculable asset that we need to protect and celebrate if we are to continue to be one of America’s most desirable places to live.” Russell S. Reynolds, Jr
GREENWICH, January 6, 2021 – Permanent protection of Greenwich’s historic homes is the driver of an alliance between the Historical Society and the recently formed Historic Properties of Greenwich (HPG). With the escalation in homes being demolished for more contemporary structures, the need for protecting Greenwich’s classic New England heritage is greater than ever. Since 2002, there have been 1,896 residential demolition permits issued in Greenwich, for an annual average of 105. If this rate continues, Greenwich will forever lose its distinctive charm.
Formed two years ago, HPG was created to complement the Town of Greenwich’s preservation and conservation initiatives by providing a singular focus on assisting residents interested in forever safeguarding their beloved historic homes and districts for future generations through Local Historic Property and Local Historic District designations. Leading the charge are residents with a history and passion for protecting Greenwich’s architectural gems: Elise Hillman Green, Russell S. Reynolds, Jr, and Anne H. Young.
Cherished Historic Assets Increase in Value
According to HPG there is a false perception in Greenwich that historic designations negatively impact the value of a home. “Our goal is to change this narrative by positioning historic homes in their proper context as cherished assets and irreplaceable works of art that increase in value,” says Green.
HPG estimates there are only 100 18th century properties left in Greenwich. “This is shocking and disturbing,” says Young. “It’s especially troubling considering properties within historic districts typically sell more quickly on average. People in these districts like the stability they afford and neighbors who share their values for historic preservation. We need to communicate the very real economic and environmental advantages to preserving these historic properties and mobilize the community and the real estate industry to support this effort.”
Seminar Provides Practical Steps to Save Communities
Jane Montanaro, executive director of Connecticut Preservation, Debra Mecky, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society, and HPG founders Hillman, Reynolds and Young will present practical solutions homeowners can take to save Greenwich communities through Historic Property Designation and the economic and environmental benefits this permanent protection affords. Co-sponsored by the Greenwich Association of Realtors, the Zoom discussion is January 27 from 6 – 7pm. To register and for more information: https://greenwichhistory.org/make-history-now/
History of Celebrating Architectural Heritage
The Historical Society has been a leading proponent for preservation throughout its 89-year history. For 33 years, its annual Landmarks Recognition Program has presented plaques to homes for their architectural excellence. Other noteworthy initiatives include the formation of the Greenwich Preservation Network, a consortium of like-minded local organizations, and the publication of “Building Greenwich: Architecture and Design, 1640 to the Present.”
According to long-time CEO Debra Mecky, the alliance with HPG will benefit the town of Greenwich and all residents who value its distinctive heritage. “By supporting each other’s advocacy and educational initiatives, we can build greater awareness and support for the urgent need to maintain our historic architectural treasures and the character of our neighborhoods. We look forward to working collaboratively with other organizations in town with a similar mission to ensure we have the best thinking and support for achieving our goals.”
HPG Founders: Passionate Proponents for Historic Property Protection
• Elise Hillman Green – Daughter of Sandra Hillman, a pioneer in building awareness for the importance of protecting the town’s historic residential treasures, Green continues the legacy she started. She and her family live in her childhood home, Stoneybrook, a commanding colonial on Taconic Rd. dating to 1750 and one of the first homes to secure landmark status for lifetime protection due to her mother’s influence. Green is also active in Greenwich Preservation Trust.
• Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. – Former CEO and founder of Russell Reynolds Associates and current chairman of RSR Partners, Reynolds descended from a Greenwich farming family dating to 1645. His wife Debbie and he restored an historic home on Taconic Rd. and formed the Stanwich Historic District comprising 16 properties. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Greenwich Historical Society and numerous other cultural organizations.
• Anne H. Young – Member and former Chair, Historic District Commission and Executive Board Director of Greenwich Preservation Trust, Young also served as Curator of Library and Archives for the Historical Society. She has worked in special collections at the Frick Art Reference Library, Knoedler Gallery, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other leading arts and cultural organizations.
About Greenwich Historical Society
Greenwich Historical Society was founded in 1931 to preserve and interpret Greenwich history to strengthen the community’s connection to our past, to each other and to our future. The circa 1730 National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House witnessed slavery and the American Revolution and became the site of Connecticut’s first American Impressionist art colony from 1890 to 1920. Its landscape and gardens are restored based on documentation from the site’s Impressionist era. The campus also includes a nationally accredited museum, library and archives, a museum store, café, and a community education center. Greenwich Historical Society educates thousands of school children annually and connects visitors to the history of this globally influential community through exhibitions, lectures, programs, and events. It receives no town funding and relies on donations and grants to continue its work in education and preservation. Learn more at greenwichhistory.org
Media Contacts
Cai Pandolfino, Greenwich Historical Society, cpandolfino@greenwichhistory.org
Laura McCormick, McCormick PR, laura@mccormickpr.com
