Three West Hartford properties were recognized by the Historic District Commission this year.

Michael Margolis (center) with Mitch Lewis (left) of the West Hartford Historic District Commission and Mayor Scott Slifka. Submitted photo

Submitted

The West Hartford Historic District Commission (WHHDC) recognized three properties at a ceremony held on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016 at 28 Walbridge Road.

The WHHDC Preservation Awards, which began in 1998, honors people who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the preservation of the architectural character of West Hartford. Awards are given to homeowners, commercial property owners/developers, architectural firms, local governments, civic organizations, and preservation project team members.

The 2015 winners are:

Andre and Natalia Tarutin, 186 Raymond Road – The Tarutin family received the award in recognition of an extensive exterior restoration that returned this late Victorian home to its original look not only from an aesthetic standpoint but made it safe and secure. Inappropriate siding was removed and replaced with the correct cedar sheathing. The porch was rebuilt and the tower secured. Windows were replaced with correct wooden sashes where needed and the owners used artistic whimsy typical of the late Victorian era in selecting exterior colors for the finished project.

Tarutin home, 186 Raymond Rd. Submitted photo

Michael and Renee Margolis, 11 Flagg Road – The Margolis family received the award for their authentic hardscape restoration of one of West Hartford’s earliest 18th-century homes. The owners spared no effort in researching and building stone walls and fencing authentic to the period. Windows were restored and correct sash locks were installed. Extensive research was carried out to be sure that most of the garden plantings were correct to the early days of the structure. Of note are several yews on the property that are thought to date to the 18th century.

Margolis home, 11 Flagg Rd. Submitted photo

Virginia Kemp and Michael Biondi, 28 Walbridge Road – In recognition of the homeowners’ and Walbridge Design Build’s efforts to upgrade the interior of this sophisticated, architect-designed 1920s home without changing the original look or integrity of the exterior. The result is an addition that seamlessly updates this historic home to the needs of modern living while honoring the past.

Kemp kitchen, 28 Walbridge Rd. Submitted photo

Mitch Lewis of the West Hartford Historic District Commission said, “The improvements that were made to each of these three properties demonstrate the remarkable efforts in preserving the home’s true character.”

Ginny Kemp (center) with Mitch Lewis of the West Hartford Historic District Commission (right) and Mayor Scott Slifka. Submitted photo

Lewis presented each family with a certificate of recognition. Historic District Commission members Karl Fransson, Cindy Cormier and Deb Cohen, vice chair, congratulated the winners as well.

“Now that I live in a 100-year old house, I have a much better appreciation for the time, effort and dedication that goes into maintaining a historic home,” said Mayor Scott Slifka. “West Hartford is fortunate to have residents such as these three families who believe that by renovating, restoring and upgrading their own properties, they invest in the Town’s future,” he continued.

About the Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission (WHHDC) is the town body that works to protect and preserve the architectural integrity and character of the three town-designated districts including the Buena Vista Historic District, the Boulevard-Raymond Road Historic District, and the West Hill Historic District, as well as eight individual properties composed of eighteenth and early nineteenth century farmhouses.

For more information, contact: the West Hartford Historic District Commission, 860-561-7448.

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