In early December, “06880” broke the story about the proposed demolition of #7 and #15 Belden Place — the tiny, seldom-noticed piece of Main Street property just past Avery Place, opposite Veterans Green and Town Hall.
Not many people cared about the 1st building. But boy, did they howl about the 2nd.
#15 is listed in the Westport Historic District Commission inventory. It sits on the bank of the Saugatuck River (with quite a view!). Readers flooded the comments section of that story — and one with 3 other photos — decrying the proposal.
15 Belden Place (Westport Historic Resources Inventory, courtesy of Wendy Crowther)
We haven’t heard much about Belden Place since then. But today alert “06880” reader — and preservation activist — Morley Boyd writes:
Here’s a testament to the 06880 community and its passion for all things Westport.
At a Historic District Commission hearing Tuesday night — just in time for Valentine’s Day — representatives for the new owner of the iconic red house by the Saugatuck River revealed plans to fully restore the beloved local landmark.
“06880” readers were quite vocal when plans to demolish the iconic early 20th century dwelling surfaced late last year. Westporter Peter Nisenson — the property’s contract purchaser, and principal of Westport-based PEN Building Company — took those concerns to heart. He said, “We heard the public and we took its advice. In many ways this is now a much more interesting project.”
A 2000 view of 15 Belden Place, taken from Parker Harding Plaza. (Photo/Andrea Fine)
On the same property, as part of its plan for retail and residential development, PEN intends to also save the large antique building that fronts Main Street which once housed Nappa Sales.
PEN officials noted the uniquely picturesque setting of 15 Belden Place, a building they refer to even on their official site plan as “The Red House.” Provided they can secure the needed zoning variances, the modest structure will remain in its original setting — though slightly raised to prevent further flood damage.
PEN intends to then make repairs as needed to return the house to residential use — but with an eye to preserving its vintage appearance. While the windows will be replaced in kind, the location of the original openings will be kept as they were.
Although the structure will also receive new systems, one thing about Westport’s most famous little house that Pen representatives will not change: the color.
Robert Storm, the project’s architect, stated: “We peeled off a chip of the red paint. We’re going to match it.”
15 Belden Place, as seen from the parking lot off Main Street.