A Building Committee has met on a regular basis for over a year with architect Roger Clarke to formulate plans and construction documents for the new 1,200-foot single story addition. First Selectman Kathy Zabel encouraged the Society to apply for the grant. Dyrinda Cole, along with Jackie and Jon Shadford, stepped forward when the opportunity became available.
As indicated in our last newsletter, we intend to “recreate” the general form of the original Ell addition to the rear of the building. In doing so we should be able to address the most serious limitations inherent in the original structure: public access; larger meeting space, available for year–round use; secure, climate-conditioned archival storage; and removal of incidental functions from the original structure.
The new structure will provide grade level building access and restrooms suitable for wheelchairs, a generous size meeting room/educational area, a small catering kitchen a convenient office and much needed storage. Relocation of the restrooms, kitchen and office functions from the original structure to the addition will permit the restoration of the existing Tavern rooms to resemble their original use and appearance.
$250,000 Grant for Elton Tavern
The Town of Burlington has been awarded a $250, 000 grant for the construction of a building addition to the historic Elton Tavern. The award has been made through the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, which administers the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). In announcing the grant this past spring, Governor M. Jodi Rell said, “Renovations to the historic tavern will provide a setting in which the community can gather.”
