The Havemeyer Building, a cornerstone of Greenwich’s historical and architectural heritage, offers a unique opportunity to enhance our community’s cultural and civic life. Built in 1892 by philanthropist Henry O. Havemeyer, this Richardsonian Romanesque structure has served as a symbol of our town’s commitment to education and public service. Currently serving as an office building housing the Board of Education (BOE) administration, the building is poised for a transformative restoration that promises to benefit all residents.
After decades of discussions, we have identified at least one suitable new location for the BOE administration, which the administration supports. Other locations are also being explored. This move would allow us to restore the Havemeyer Building and make it a centerpiece of Greenwich Avenue. This vision has garnered enthusiastic support from the community and the administration. However, opposition from the Democratic members of the BOE threatens to stall this vital project. They insist on keeping the BOE in the Havemeyer Building. Their insistence on keeping the BOE in this valuable property is misguided because it overlooks the broader benefits of re-purposing such a beautiful and historic building for all of Greenwich to enjoy.
After speaking before the BOE last week, there was some acknowledgment by a few Democratic members that it does make sense to look at other options to the current situation. I appreciated that willingness to be open to this idea whose time has come, and pledge to work with them and their Republican colleagues to bring this potentially transformational endeavor to reality.
The argument that the BOE administration must remain in a town-owned building is not grounded in practical reality. Numerous towns, including Fairfield and New Canaan, have successfully relocated their BOE administrations to long-term rental spaces, finding these arrangements both satisfactory and efficient. The claim that the BOE must stay within a municipal property does not hold up when considering these successful examples from our neighboring communities. Also, we must think outside the box. The Havemeyer Building is not wired for the electrical capacity needed to run our school’s administrative needs and we have commercial space widely available throughout town right now that is state-of-the-art.
The Havemeyer Building is in dire need of extensive repairs. Keeping the BOE in this location would require not only a massive expenditure but also temporary relocation during the renovation process, resulting in additional costs and logistical challenges. It is fiscally irresponsible to invest such a substantial sum into restoring the building only to return it to the same use.
A more cost-effective and beneficial solution is available.
Engaging in a public-private partnership presents a prudent and forward-thinking alternative. This approach would leverage private investment to restore the building, transforming it into a vibrant community hub while alleviating the financial burden on the town. A recent task force, chaired by former BET member Andy Duus, has already laid the groundwork for developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to attract private partners interested in this project. To that end, a new task force is being assembled with an impressive roster of Town residents who are willing to research, discuss, and develop an RFP.
The envisioned transformation of the Havemeyer Building into a cultural and civic center includes endless possibilities for things such as theaters, lecture halls, and exhibition spaces, creating a dynamic environment that would serve as a cultural hub for Greenwich residents. This proposal aligns with the building’s historical significance and community-oriented legacy. It would honor the original intent of the building while adapting it to meet contemporary needs.
It is essential to recognize that the current state of the Havemeyer Building is not conducive to its continued use as an administrative facility. The structure is outdated and not designed to meet the demands of a modern administrative office. Moving the BOE administration to a more suitable location is not only a financial necessity but also a practical one.
The time to act is now. We must secure an affirmative vote from the BOE to proceed with the public-private partnership and the restoration project. This decision is crucial for realizing the full potential of the Havemeyer Building and ensuring it remains a cornerstone of our community. A building that is right in the middle of our commercial, business, and entertainment district deserves such a focus.
We cannot allow specious objections to derail this important project by delaying critical maintenance and infrastructure improvements.
The restoration and repurposing of the Havemeyer Building represents an investment in Greenwich’s future. By transforming this historic structure into a vibrant cultural center, we can enhance the quality of life for all residents, preserve a significant landmark, and create a lasting legacy for future generations. It is imperative that we move forward with this vision, making a decision that reflects the best interests of our community, and for future generations.
Fred Camillo,
First Selectman of Greenwich
