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.
2020 Historic Preservation Awards
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Residential Property
Anthony and Kate Purcaro 30 Riverside Avenue The 2020 Historic Preservation Award for a Torrington residence was given to Anthony and Kate Purcaro for their dedicated stewardship of their home at 30 Riverside Avenue. The house was built in 1914 for Frederick L. Dougal, foreman at the Coe Brass Co. and the Purcaros are the fourth owners of the property. Architect designed and finely crafted, the structure is a textbook study of Dutch Colonial Revival styling in the early 20th century. Period details inside and outside have been meticulously restored or re-created by Anthony Purcaro, who, like most all of our award recipients, invested his own time, love, and labor into creating a historically harmonious whole. |
Anthony and Kate Purcaro
30 Riverside Avenue |
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Commercial Property
Remember When 111 Main Street Karen O’Donnell for creating and maintaining Remember When, their lovingly curated business at 111 Main Street, longtime paragon of both style and service in our downtown district. The building has an eclectic and colorful history as a vital contributor to our civic life over many generations, opening its doors in 1891 as the local YMCA then becoming a funeral parlor and then a department store. Fast forward to 1999 when Karen and Rit O’Donnell acquired the property. Their first order of business was to transform the mismatched facade into a beautifully proportioned Deco Revival style with the expert assistance of architect Michael Boe. Having successfully reintegrated the facade with its street-front neighbors into a pleasingly nuanced ensemble, the O’Donnells then applied the same class, care, and quality to creating an interior to showcase their exquisite collection of vintage light fixtures, clothing, jewelry, and myriad other antiques. Since then, Remember When has remained a treasured downtown venue. |
Remember When - 111 Main Street
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