The Town of West Hartford purchased the former St. Brigid School property at 100 Mayflower Street, and has started the process of creating a vision for a new community, cultural, and senior center on the site.

By Ronni Newton

The project to reimagine property at 100 Mayflower Street that the Town of West Hartford purchased in 2021 is underway, and consultant Tecton Architects has been hired to conduct a functional program and feasibility study that will lead to creation of the vision for a new state-of-the-art Elmwood community and cultural center, serving teens, seniors, cultural organizations, and the Elmwood branch of the public library in a flexible space that is also adjacent to Beachland Park, the town’s largest park.

Tecton had a booth at Celebrate! West Hartford this June, and began collecting feedback from the community as part of the visioning process. Several upcoming events this fall will provide additional opportunity for the public to find out more about the project and to provide important input during this phase.

Tecton booth at Celebrate! West Hartford. Courtesy photo

More than two dozen members of the community – residents as well as representatives of stakeholders – are already serving on an Advisory Committee, tasked with “[enabling] all members of the community to help shape the project vision and have their voices heard,” the project website states. They have also identified their own priorities, with “must haves” as well as “nice to haves” in the new facility.

According to Architectural Designer Antonia Ciaverella of Tecton Architects, “The study includes a comprehensive evaluation of the existing facilities, a programmatic space needs assessment, and a preliminary budget, all guided by the town’s values, sustainability goals and community feedback. The study encompasses the programs currently offered at the Elmwood Community Center, the Elmwood Senior Center, and the Faxon Library, in addition to other West Hartford community programs, such as Emergency Management, Social Services, and the Teen Center.”

Upcoming events

• Sept. 8; Coffee Chat at Elmwood Senior Center, Room 29/211; 2-3 p.m.; An opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about the project.
• Sept. 14; Initial Concepts Community Event at Elmwood Community Center auditorium; 5-8 p.m., Auditorium; An event designed to hear and gather community input as conceptual options are being explored.
• Oct. 6; Virtual Presentation/Q&A on Zoom, 7-8 p.m. The link to join will be posted on the project website. An opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and learn more about the project.
• Oct. 26; Refining the Design Community Event at Elmwood Community Center auditorium; 5-8 p.m. An event designed to hear and gather community direction as the preferred concept is refined for inclusion in the study report.

Tecton’s plans following the upcoming public input sessions will include presentation of conceptual plans and related cost estimates as part of the feasibility study. According to a presentation to the Town Council’s Community Planning and Economic Development Committee, Tecton’s report will include recommendations regarding the existing 52,000 square foot building – whether it should be demolished and replaced by new construction or renovated and expanded.

Screenshot of presentation to Town Council Community Planning and Economic Development Committee on Aug. 17, 2022

A project website has been established which contains links to previous presentations and other details about the progress thus far. Members of the community can also offer feedback and ask questions by emailing [email protected].

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.