Preserving Farmington History, While Developing Commercial Property

The picture above is of a historic building at 784 Farmington Avenue (Route 4). This building was once the garage for the Elm Tree Inn, and is thought to be the first automobile repair building, in Farmington. It was built circa 1910. According to the website, Historic Buildings of Connecticut, George Washington and the French General Rochambeau dined and stayed at the Elm Tree Inn, in the 1780's, as they were passing through Connecticut. The Elm Tree Inn has been subdivided into condominiums, and this garage/outbuilding is now being preserved, as part of a project lead by developer Bob Wienner, for Chase Bank.

The preservation of this historic structure is part of a project that entails a new Chase Bank building. The developer, Mr. Bob Wienner, worked with the Town’s Architectural Design Review Committee (ADRC), Town staff, and various community members, to develop a plan to preserve this building. The structure will be relocated just a short distance from its current location, to a new foundation (pictured above). This will allow it to remain intact, and near the Elm Tree Inn. Pictured below are some artifacts that were uncovered during the project - an old pipe tobacco can and an old oil can. Both items have been given to the Farmington Historical Society, for preservation.

Both Bob Wienner and Chase Bank were wonderful to work with, and we commend their efforts to preserve this historic building, in town.