446 Old Whitfield Street
Located off of I-95, just 10 minutes east of New Haven CT, lies the beautiful town of Guilford. Voted top 100 places to live by Money Magazine in 2005.
A shoreline community of around 23,000 people Guilford has always been a sought after location. Named after Guilford England it has strong roots from the Colonial period evidenced by it’s many Colonial, Federal and Victorian style homes.
Quiet, rather upscale, with it’s dominant “downtown” green overlooked by a stately First Congregational church one would not expect to encounter abstract, modern architecture. However, in the early 1980’s architect Wilfred J. O. Armster, managed to obtain approval from the town council to construct a building which rather resembled a space craft.
In what has become known as one of the most passionate plea’s for “freedom” that the council has ever heard Armster gained approval against a sea of local objectors. It’s oddity is not only a result of it’s construction but that it was sandwiched among old residential homes on a quiet suburban street. Why it’s just a few houses down from the Henry Whitfield House, the oldest house on record in Connecticut.
Most would conclude, at first glance, that this was a commercial office building. You might be surprised to know it houses thirteen 1BR condominiums known as Whitfield Shore Condominiums. In 2013 Zillow showed a 2900 sq. foot unit selling for $474,000.
Although I appreciate it’s beauty and design I do feel it’s an example of planning and zoning gone amuck. Somewhat of an injustice to nearby property owners. However, although many share my point of view, there is just as strong a contingent who don’t.
If you’re passing through Guilford make a stop along the way. Bring a camera because you probably won’t see many like it, least not in a neighborhood like this.
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