Communities

Master Plan for Preservation & Scenic Conservation
Guilford, Connecticut

In 1985 Heritage Landscapes and Frederick P. Clark Associates undertook a project for the Guilford Preservation Aliance, working in collaboration with Town of Guilford, Planning Office and Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. The project addressed the entire range of historic, prehistoric, scenic and ecological resources that contribute to the special character of Guilford, Connecticut. Over three hundred historic buildings dating from 1659 to the 1930’s, and prehistoric and historic sites had been identified as important resources for the Town. This is a model project which comprehensively addresses a community’s special character by developing a multi-faceted plan to preserve that character.

A plan was needed that would allow for growth while assuring that Guilford’s rich but fragile cultural and natural resources would remain intact. The basis of the planning process was a recognition that the character of theTown was comprised of the entire built, natural, historic and contemporary fabric. The unity of these elements and their interdependence led to a complex, integrated planning process. Patricia O’Donnell led a team of landscape architects, environmental and traffic planners and preservationists. A varied set of preservation and conservation tools were developed in four groups: education and community involvement, financial, advisory, and regulatory tools. Actions are based on: timing, economics, commitment and relationship to other resources and other actions. The product is also unique—a dynamic plan—each preservation and scenic conservation victory or defeat changes future agendas. The document is functioning as a state-wide and national model. The project received an American Society of Landscape Architects Merit award in 1987 and a Connecticut Public Spaces Award in 1989.

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