Annual Preservation Awards
The annual preservation awards recognize historic preservation work that preserves the historic character and charm of Torrington while and contributing to its viability as an attractive and livable small city. The awards recognize the restored historic buildings as well as the owners who have accomplished the historic preservation work. The awards are given each year for a residential and commercial property.
2018 Historic Preservation Awards
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Residential Property
Ed & Kathi Cook 311 Migeon Avenue The 2018 Historic Preservation Award for a Torrington residence was given to Ed and Kathi Cook and their home at 311 Migeon Avenue. Their elegant Victorian era house was built in 1896 for Frederick Hoerle, who was a manager at Union Hardware Co. The Cooks were able to bring interior, woodwork, walls and floors back to pristine period elegance, Ed and Kathi, moreover, tackled large scale restoration projects on their own which would have daunted seasoned pros, such as fabricating, all by hand, exquisite Victorian draperies, and re-creating the original, but long gone front porch to near period perfection. This house is a marvelous example of the free-spirited eclecticism of late nineteenth century domestic architecture. Specifically, this house displays all the exemplary, and best loved characteristics of the Queen Anne style. |
311 Migeon Avenue
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Commercial Property
Sawyer's 79 Center Street The 2018 Historic Preservation Award for a Torrington commercial structure was given to Julian Sawyer for restoring and revitalizing an old commercial structure at 79 Center Street, now known as Sawyer’s, a thriving restaurant and bar. The structure was built by Luigi Ficca, a local grocer, in 1934, and opened as Center Tavern and later became Ficca’s Tavern and then Ficca’s Restaurant. Sawyer’s is a fine example of a modest early 20th-century commercial building of the “corner store” typology. Julian spent 18 months carefully preserving and restoring interior elements such as the stamped metal ceiling and mahogany topped bar. Interior brick walls were revealed to add vintage ambience. With carefully selected vintage interior fixtures and historic photos on the walls, this is a space which exudes genuine old Torrington charm. |
Sawyer's at 79 Center Street
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