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Hartford committee hears plan to stabilize Colt Park carriage house and gardener's cottage
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Summary
The Colt Park Foundation told the committee it has secured roughly $1,000,000 to stabilize two historic structures in Colt Park and will seek further city support after an environmental study and design work, stressing preservation of historic exteriors and community engagement.
Donna Swar, of the Colt Park Foundation, told the Hartford City Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Environmental Committee that a May stakeholder meeting and partner grants have made roughly $1,000,000 available to stabilize the Carriage House and the Gardener’s Cottage at Colt Park.
Swar said the money is intended for structural stabilization rather than a finished renovation: “The $1,000,000 is to, quote, unquote, restore the cottages and the carriage house,” she said, clarifying that the funds will make the buildings stable rather than produce a completed interior restoration. She described the buildings as partially hidden by vegetation and in visibly poor condition, with debris inside and crumbling foundation in places; DPW staff told attendees that at least some plumbing remains intact.
Why it matters: the two buildings lie within the boundaries of the Coltsville historic area and are visible touchpoints for sharing the park’s history. Swar said stakeholders at the meeting included neighborhood residents, Hartford Next, the Coltsville Heritage Partnership and local nonprofits, and that partners such as Congressman Larson and the National Park Service have previously provided funding that helped jump-start broader Colt Park revitalization.
The committee heard a range of ideas for reuse: museum displays and interpretive exhibits, office or meeting space for nonprofits, space for summer-camp activities, and a greenhouse or community gardening partnership. Participants emphasized preserving historic exterior fabric and noted uncertainty about whether the gardener’s cottage porch is original; that uncertainty will affect decisions about whether to retain or remove the porch.
Next steps: Swar said the immediate next action is an environmental study to clarify hazards and scope; following that, the city architect will prepare design plans and cost estimates. Swar asked for the committee’s future support when the city is asked to consider additional funding and design work.
What they did not decide: no formal action or funding request was approved today. The presentation is advisory; Swar said she will return with further details after the environmental review. The committee did not take a vote on the Colt Park items.
