FRIENDS OF THE DWIGHT HISTORIC DISTRICT
Neighbors. Advocates. Friends.
Improving the lives of Dwight residents by advocating for the needs of the neighborhood's diverse population and the preservation of the district's rich cultural heritage. New Haven, CT
IN PROGRESS
Located in the heart of our historic district, Kensington Playground is about to be sold by the City for $1 (one dollar), so that housing and a parking lot can be built on the playground. Kensington Playground is the largest public open space in our neighborhood. The FDHD are working with others in the community to save, and improve, this hidden gem. Learn more
Update: Unfortunately, we haven't been able to save this property and expect that it will be demolished before 2023. Read more here in the New Haven Register
This lovely Victorian at 131 Sherman, and a smaller Victorian next door at 125, need to be relocated to make room for the YNHH Neuroscience Center. FDHD is working with the hospital, City of New Haven, and several local organizations to move the properties to nearby vacant lots. While nothing has been finalized, we remain hopeful that the homes will be saved.
This lovely 19th century Victorian home was undergoing renovation when it was set on fire by an arsonist Christmas morning 2019. In the 1800's the house was the family home of Walter Camp, considered the father of American football. The current owner has told us that when renovations and a rear extension are complete, the home will contain 13 residential apartments. Learn more
Once home to Rev. Amos Gerry Beman, a nationally important African American abolitionist, suffragist, and temperance reformer, 99 Howe was slated for demolition, along with 97 Howe, to make way for a 6-story apartment complex. FDHD took the case to the SHPO/State Historic Preservation Council. SHPO agreed the buildings should be saved and referred the matter up to the State Attorney General's office. We await more news. Learn more
A Dialog on a Preservation Ordinance for New Haven
We are currently campaigning for New Haven to adopt a Preservation Ordinance. We believe a preservation ordinance can help our city grow responsibly while retaining it's heritage. In this video Brad Schide of CT Preservation and Mary Falvey of Hartford Preservation Alliance explain what a preservation ordinance is, how it works, and why it has helped Hartford.
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JOIN US at a free community meeting at the Ives Main New Haven Public Library: Check back soon--Our next meeting will be scheduled post-Covid.
To learn more click here.
PRESERVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD
"It always seems impossible until it is done."––Nelson Mandela
THE NOVELLA
596-598 GEORGE ST
1249 CHAPEL ST
Saved from demolition
Built around 1885, preservationists call this Queen Anne-Romanesque Revival style multi-family house a "linchpin" property that helps anchor the Dwight and West River neighborhoods. More at:
House moved
Plans originally called for tearing down this historic Queen Anne/Colonial Revival two-family home to make way for a new apartment complex. After outcry from FDHD, the developer agreed to buy an adjacent empty lot and move the house there instead of destroying it. More at:
RESIDENTS WORKING TOGETHER
Led by Olivia Martson, we are a group of local residents who meet regularly to share concerns and ideas, so that we may advocate for these issues on both a door-to-door level as well as at city leadership meetings. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
JOIN US
Get in touch with Friends of the Dwight Historic District and sign up for our newsletter to learn how you can get involved.
