I recently had the privilege of previewing the spectacular renovation of the historic Connecticut Governor’s Residence in Hartford. What an incredibly generous outpouring of creative collaboration this project is!! As I toured the beautiful home with Connecticut Cottages and Gardens editorial director DJ Carey, I was truly overwhelmed with a sense of pride – not only for our now beautiful state residence but also for the amount of time and effort selflessly devoted to this endeavor. All of the Connecticut based or related designers, manufactures and artisans donated their talent and wares to create an impressive home for our governor and showplace for both the public and visiting dignitaries.
First Lady Cathy Malloy summed it up perfectly “Connecticut’s rich history, the artistry of its residents and the talent of its craftsmen are on display in the Residence, and it is the Governor’s and my goal to expand access to the home and these wonderful works of art to the public. We believe that the title of the project—‘The People’s Project’—is aptly named as so many Connecticut residents have ownership of this state property. From Connecticut ’s top interior designers to manufacturers, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens magazine was able to enlist these talents to donate their skills, their time, their services and beautiful furnishings and decorations in order to make the home more accessible to the public for years to come.”
The Georgian Revival home was built in 1909 by the Boston architectural firm Andrews, Jacques & Rantoul for private clients. It did not become a governor’s residence until 1945. In 1991 The Governor’s Residence Conservancy, a private, non-profit corporation responsible for the preservation, restoration and renovation of the home was established. Although renovations had been undertaken throughout the years, updating of the public spaces was sorely needed. When the conservancy approached Cottages & Gardens, DJ jumped at the chance to be involved – with both feet! This entire project was miraculously organized and completed in six months!! She and Carol O’Shea, Executive Director at the Residence, above, are looking justifiably proud of their work!!
A select group of Connecticut designers were chosen and carefully vetted for the project, including Jamie Drake, Sandra Morgan, Carey Karlan, Susan Bednar Long, Philip Gorrivan, Catherine Cleare, Paula Perlini, Polly Denham, Glenda Moralee, Tricia Izzo, Carolyn Kron, LouAnn Torres and Nick Geragi. In addition were the many manufacturers and vendors who donated services and products. Welcome to The People’s Project!
It is amazing that a small but beautiful magazine, Connecticut Cottages and Gardens organized a project of this scope AND complete it in six months. Extraordinary generosity and a model for citzen behavior acrosss the country. If we want something to be better, we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Dr. Pat Allen
How wonderful that so many people came together to create a beautiful home for the govenor of your state. How nice that you’re so proud that you’ve shared with us, thank you!
So classically beautiful!
Lynn
Everyone involved in this project must be so proud and thrilled…wow!
Hoping you are surviving Snowtober over in your parts as well…I am SO over extreme weather, we are on generator, but its limited. I should feel lucky to have it, but with all three home today and no phone or cable, I am close to having a pre holiday melt down!
it is just that … the people’s project
it is about pride and it looks wonderful
Sounds exciting!! The house is absolutely gorgeous : ) Yet another reason to visit CT! xKelly
What a great project! It is beautiful
Happy Halloween :)
Well that’s one talented lineup if I ever saw one and what a totally stately residence. Love the idea about this being the peoples project, cannot to see what these amazing designers put together!
This is such a lovely place–no wonder it fills you with pride! I love how active you are in your design community, so inspirational!
Wishing you a spooktacular day and eve!
xo Mary Jo
http://ON-PCH.com
What a great project! The design team did a magnificent job. It’s absolutely beautiful. I love the brown walls in the room with the fireplace and the mirror. This is a great classic and historic home to be enjoyed and preserved for many years to come.
I would have loved to visit the Mansion. I was speaking with DJ during the process…an amazing undertaking.
Hope all is well, Francine
What a fabulous project! Incredible!!
what a gorgeous house, inside and out! Great tour!
lovely space…it’s a nice project
that I’m sure will benefit the people of the state in many ways..
best,
maureen