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| STATE PARKS CONTACT INFORMATION: |
| Email: |
| deep.stateparks@ct.gov |
| Telephone: |
(860) 424-3200
(866) 287-2757
(Toll Free in CT) |
| Fax: |
| (860) 424-4070 |
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Harkness Memorial
State Park
Architectural Renovations | |
| Overview |
| Architect Roger S. Clarke of Hartford oversaw the $3.8 million in renovations to Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. The restorations were performed by general contractor Thomas J. Kronenberger & Sons, Inc., of Middletown. Preservation of the historic mansion is important due to the architectural significance of the buildings and grounds. The renovations began in November 1996 with the intent of restoring the Mansion and gardens to the conditions that existed in the early 1930's. |
| Mansion |
| Extensive work was done to restore the Mansion to the conditions that existed in the early 1930's. Major renovations were made to upgrade the entire infrastructure and restore the historic character of the site. |
- Loggias and the south side of the east wing were replaced in their entirety with new masonry fabricated units to replicate the original. Original decorative painting was restored on West Loggia ceiling. The decorative painting on the East Loggia ceiling is a replica of that from the 1920's found painted over the earlier designs on the ceiling of the West Loggia. The floor of the East Loggia has been replaced with new concrete and new ceramic tile to resemble the original.
- Reconstruction of the Loggias and exterior masonry serves as an example of careful preservation. The original roof structure of both Loggias was shored up and repaired, the masonry replaced underneath without destroying the ceilings.
- Infrastructure of the Mansion was renovated. The heating system has been upgraded with a new boiler, new pumps, new controls while retaining the existing vertical ducts and radiators. New fire, smoke and security alarm systems were integrated into the design. The plumbing system was restored utilizing the original fixtures
- Other general renovations have been made throughout the Mansion. The walls in the east court were rebuilt entirely with new foundations. The chandeliers in the Mansion were restored and rehung in the positions shown in early photographs. Paintwork throughout the Mansion was stripped and repainted to the original colors. The floors were refinished, utilizing new linoleum to replicate the original. The original interior finishes and kitchen tiles were retained and repaired.
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| Gardens |
| Gardens were restored to the original planting design with shrubs, trees, perennials and annuals. The formal "Italian" West Garden was set out with symmetrical footpaths, statuary and iron fencing comparable to the designs of 1909 through 1912. The center fountain of the West Garden was rebuilt with new limestone. |
| The East Garden was restored by the Friends of Harkness. The garden was planted and will be maintained by volunteers of the Friends of Harkness. |
| In all, four fountains in the gardens were restored and repiped. An irrigation system was installed which included new footpath lighting. The roof of the Pergola was rebuilt, the trellis replaced, and columns and floor cleaned and restored. The wrought iron fencing and gates throughout the gardens were restored and the rock garden replanted. |
| Harkness Memorial State Park - History and Restoration |
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Printable Version
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