Connecticut Trust staff have just finished the current cycle of inspections on historic properties with Preservation easements held by the Trust. What a pleasure it is to revisit these buildings and landscapes, each with its own architectural character and setting, protected for future generations. The inspection is also an opportunity to speak with property owners, express our gratitude for their commitment to the care of these special places, and offer technical advice and guidance on preservation needs.
After twenty years and counting, we now hold easements on over thirty properties, from the 1937 Art Deco former headquarters of SNET in New Haven (now luxury apartments), to the 1791 Georgian Adam Stanton House in Clinton (long a museum but new to the program in 2018). Many easements are on privately owned residences.
An Easement protects the historic features of buildings, structures or landscape by limiting the changes that can be made and requiring that the Historic Fabric subject to the easement be properly maintained. The characteristics protected can vary with each property and may include exterior facades, interior details, open space and designed landscapes. Each easement is the outcome of conversations between the donor and the CTHP.
Easements entail a modest application fee and a financial donation to cover the long-term costs of periodic monitoring. Easement donors may qualify for tax benefits.
Do you have a historic home listed, or Eligible for listing, on the State or National Register? Would you like to see future stewards treat it with the respect that you do? A preservation easement may be right for your historic property! Contact Chris at Cwigren@cttrust.org to start the conversation.