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Planning commission approves $275,000 design appropriation to rebuild Lockwood Matthews Mansion conservatory
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a $275,000 special capital appropriation request to fund engineering and architectural design work for the Lockwood Matthews Mansion conservatory, after Historic Commission representatives described rotten internal beams and leak damage that they say risk collapse.
The Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve a $275,000 special appropriation request to fund engineering, research and architectural drawings for the Lockwood Matthews Mansion conservatory.
David Westmoreland of the Historical Commission told commissioners, "Tonight, we're asking for a special appropriation of $275,000 to allow us to do the engineering research and architectural drawings to rebuild the conservatory at the mansion." He and Lockwood Matthews Mansion Board of Trustees President Doug Hempstead said inspections found leaks and significant rot inside the conservatory’s supporting beams. Hempstead described the damage as "totally unanticipated" and said temporary shores have been added to limit snow and ice loading while the group seeks permanent repairs.
Westmoreland said the project is included in the 2026–27 capital budget at $1.5 million but the commission was being asked to advance $275,000 now so design work and bidding can start immediately. He said the appropriation, if approved, would be deducted from the larger capital request when the 2026–27 budget is enacted.
Commissioner 9 moved to approve the appropriation; the motion was seconded and carried by show-of-hands. Commissioner Harvey abstained, noting he had missed the opening minutes. The commission did not attach additional conditions to the design appropriation.
The commission’s action allows the Historical Commission and trustees to begin engineering and design work this spring with the stated goal of completing repairs before next winter. The project will still require any necessary historic-preservation approvals and procurement actions before construction.
