We, the undersigned, urge the Attorney General, the State Historic Preservation Council and the New Haven Historic District Commission to oppose demolition of 95 Howe Street and 97-99 Howe Street in the Dwight Historic District in the City of New Haven, CT. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contribute to the Dwight Historic District. Their scale and character are in keeping with the buildings on their block. 95 Howe Street was built by local developer Henry Dougal in 1833 and retains some of the original details of its Greek Revival style origins. 97-99 Howe Street, built in 1845 in the Italianate style, was once home to Rev. Amos Gerry Beman, a nationally important African American abolitionist, suffragist and temperance reformer. A few years later this house was a Ladies Seminary run by Rev. Heman Bangs and his wife Sally. Rev. Bangs was one of the foremost Methodist preachers of his day. These buildings cannot be demolished as of right, since the City has a 90-day stay of demolition for structures contributing to a National Historic District. Note: the 90-day period began on May 3, 2019.
Updates
July 8, 2019
The history buried in these structures is worth more than a blank lot. I am currently reaching out to local preservationists to coordinate our next steps.
July 8, 2019
The momentum is undeniable. This history is worth protecting and you are proving it.
Reached 100 supporters
July 8, 2019
52 Comments
I am an architect and lived at 97-99 Howe Street during school. No reason this contributing SHPO property should not be saved; it helps form the character of our city. Once it's gone, we'll never get it back.
Demolition through neglect is not okay. These historic buildings are within a historic district, and should be protected.
The Peoples Center at 37 Howe Street was built about 1851. Since 1937 it has been the home to multi-racial, community & labor oriented activities, and is a sight on the Connecticut Freedom Trail. We strongly oppose destruction of these building which contribute to the human scale of the neighborhood.
So, if you belong to the Historical Society, you can't change so much as a railing on your porch without their permission, but the city can come and knock the whole thing down? No, let's not allow the destruction of historic places.
Economic Development is fine, but not at the expense of our history. Both of these circa 1900 buildings are part of our streetscape both scale and architecture. Allowing the demolition of these two viable structures is a line not to cross...it will only open the door for more of the same.
I used to live on howe st. I care a lot about the area. Destroying the area's character is short sighted on the part of developers
Proud Dwight resident
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We, the undersigned, urge the Attorney General, the State Historic Preservation Council and the New Haven Historic District Commission to oppose demolition of 95 Howe Street and 97-99 Howe Street in the Dwight Historic District in the City of New Haven, CT. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contribute to the Dwight Historic District. Their scale and character are in keeping with the buildings on their block. 95 Howe Street was built by local developer Henry Dougal in 1833 and retains some of the original details of its Greek Revival style origins. 97-99 Howe Street, built in 1845 in the Italianate style, was once home to Rev. Amos Gerry Beman, a nationally important African American abolitionist, suffragist and temperance reformer. A few years later this house was a Ladies Seminary run by Rev. Heman Bangs and his wife Sally. Rev. Bangs was one of the foremost Methodist preachers of his day. These buildings cannot be demolished as of right, since the City has a 90-day stay of demolition for structures contributing to a National Historic District. Note: the 90-day period began on May 3, 2019.
Updates
July 8, 2019
The history buried in these structures is worth more than a blank lot. I am currently reaching out to local preservationists to coordinate our next steps.
July 8, 2019
The momentum is undeniable. This history is worth protecting and you are proving it.
Reached 100 supporters
July 8, 2019
52 Comments
91 Howe Street What are Historic Districts for if not retaining buildings? I am an architect and had friends living at 97-99 Howe until 2017.
I am an architect and lived at 97-99 Howe Street during school. No reason this contributing SHPO property should not be saved; it helps form the character of our city. Once it's gone, we'll never get it back.
Demolition through neglect is not okay. These historic buildings are within a historic district, and should be protected.
The Peoples Center at 37 Howe Street was built about 1851. Since 1937 it has been the home to multi-racial, community & labor oriented activities, and is a sight on the Connecticut Freedom Trail. We strongly oppose destruction of these building which contribute to the human scale of the neighborhood.
So, if you belong to the Historical Society, you can't change so much as a railing on your porch without their permission, but the city can come and knock the whole thing down? No, let's not allow the destruction of historic places.
Economic Development is fine, but not at the expense of our history. Both of these circa 1900 buildings are part of our streetscape both scale and architecture. Allowing the demolition of these two viable structures is a line not to cross...it will only open the door for more of the same.
I used to live on howe st. I care a lot about the area. Destroying the area's character is short sighted on the part of developers
Proud Dwight resident
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91 Howe Street What are Historic Districts for if not retaining buildings? I am an architect and had friends living at 97-99 Howe until 2017.