Greenwich Preservation Group Seeks To Restore One Of Oldest, Unaltered Homes In CT

GREENWICH, CT — A local preservation group is seeking to lease one of the oldest homes in the state of Connecticut from the town of Greenwich so the structure can be restored and preserved for years to come.

The Greenwich Preservation Trust, whose mission is "to educate and advocate for preservation of our historic and cultural resources through preservation projects," is requesting to enter into a lease with the town for the Thomas Lyon House, the oldest unaltered structure in Greenwich.

The earliest parts of the home were built circa 1690 by Thomas Lyon Jr., son of immigrant Thomas Lyon Sr., who died around the same time construction began, according to a letter sent to the Board of Selectmen by Greenwich Preservation Trust Founder Jo Conboy.

Up until 1926, the house was occupied by a member of the Lyon family. In 1927, the structure was moved from its original location on the north side of Boston Post Road to across the street to accommodate the widening of Route 1.

A descendant of the Lyon family left the house with the Rotary and Lions Club.

In 1980, the Rotary Club ceded their interest to the Lions Club Foundation, and when repairs to the house became too costly, the foundation gave the house to the town which assumed legal responsibility in January 2007.

In 2006, a group of concerned Greenwich citizens established the Thomas Lyon House Committee, which eventually became the Greenwich Preservation Trust.

The trust is seeking a Municipal Improvement referral to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and to lease the house from the town to perform restoration and upgrades.

The Board of Selectmen did not take any action during the Aug. 28 meeting. The board is expected to further discuss the matter and take a vote during the upcoming Sept. 11 meeting.

Assistant Town Attorney Laura McGeachy said on Aug. 28 the Greenwich Preservation Trust is "the best steward for the Thomas Lyon House," so an RFP (Request for Proposal) was not considered.

"It's a nominal lease in light of them taking over responsibility for the area," McGeachy said.

According to Greenwich Preservation Trust Co-President Andrew Melillo, the home is one of seven left in the state of Connecticut that dates back to the 1600s.

"We're really gung ho about getting this restored and preserved well into the future so future Greenwich residents can access it and appreciate it," Melillo told the Selectmen via phone call.

"This is not just the site of early colonial settlement in Greenwich, but early Quakerism and also slaves were emancipated in this home some 60 years before the Civil War," Melillo added. "It has a tie to the underground railroad, it has a tie to religious diversity in early colonial Connecticut. It's just worth saving in so many different aspects no matter how you look at it."

In her letter, Conboy spoke about the importance of the home to the town.

"This house serves as a significant local landmark acting as the physical link to the town's storied past," Conboy said.

"The house will also serve as a reminder and inspiration to the other owners of historic properties in Greenwich what preservation looks like and how it can be achieved for future generations to enjoy and cherish."

Melillo called this effort "years in the making," and said the home is in "rough shape."

"It's still able to stand and withstand the New England elements, but another 50 years like this and we're concerned it won't survive," Melillo said.

Proposed work includes restoring the house in place, adding ADA ramp access to the side of the house, and creating a new curb cut into the property to enhance safety while exiting and entering.

Additionally, five parking spaces with a handicap space would be added.

The selectmen indicated support for the lease and the restoration plan.

"It's a really exciting thing to move forward. It's a long time in the making, literally," Selectwoman Lauren Rabin said.

"Historic sites like these are what make Greenwich special," noted Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan.

"Absolutely, we'd love to support it."

More information on the history of the Thomas Lyon House can be found on the Greenwich Preservation Trust website.