Barn restoration underway

Posted by: Debbie Bowley on Mon, 16 November 2009 14:06:37

The first stages of stabilizing and restoring the unique Lauralton barn began under the expertise and craftsmanship of Kronenberger & Sons Restoration, a company committed to restoring such national treasures such as Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Florence Griswold House in Old Lyme and Mark Twain’s former Hartford home. 

The historic barn on the Lauralton grounds is the only one of its kind in Connecticut, and possibly in the nation. Built in 1864, it is one of the finest examples of the Victorian Gothic period. The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation recently recognized the barn by awarding the school a highly competitive barn grant to help start the renovations.

On November 5, the cupola that graced the top of the barn was lifted off the barn. It will be repaired and later hoisted back into place. The next step in the restoration process began on November 9, when the entire roof of the barn was covered with a tarp in an effort to prevent further damage from the elements.

Once the barn is fully restored, the school intends to use the space as a performing arts center.