CTASLA Annual 2018

Connecticut
Landscape Architecture

2018 ANNUAL



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CONTENTS

A Letter From the President 1
Landscape Architecture in Connecticut 5
The Yarwood Award 11
Advocacy: A CTASLA Perspective 14
Design Talk: Boots on the Ground 20
— Landscape Architecture as a
Driver of Economic Development 46
UConn’s Program of Landscape Architecture 57
The Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship 62
Emerging Professionals 70
CTASLA Professional Awards

University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital Towers|Golde, LLC
Elizabeth Park Master Plan Anne Penniman Associates, LLC
Engaging the Native Landscape Doyle Herman Design Associates
Healing Gardens at the Cone Health Cancer Center Dinep + Schwab
Island Habitat Landscape Anne Penniman Associates, LLC
Entertainment & Media Company Campus Green Milone & MacBroom, Inc.
Connecticut State Veterans’ Cemetery BL Companies
Expansion and Improvements
Field Point Estate Gregory Lombardi Design Incorporated
Norma Pfriem Healing Garden Towers|Golde, LLC with Devore Associates
Forest Cucoloris Reed Hilderbrand LLC
Sacred Heart University Campus Master Plan The S/L/A/M Collaborative
Landscape for Walking, Gathering, Threshold Landscape Architecture, LLC
and Listening to Music
1775 Tysons Boulevard Towers|Golde, LLC
A Coastal Home Devore Associates
New England Respite Doyle Herman Design Associates

Continuing Education 104
CTASLA Executive Committee 108
World’s Best Advertisers 116

2018 ANNUAL v

Connecticut Copyright © 2018
Landscape Architecture Connecticut Chapter
American Society of Landscape Architects
2018 ANNUAL 370 James Street, Suite 402
New Haven, CT 06513
Voicemail: (800) 878-1474
Email: [email protected]
www.ctasla.org

Design: J.M. Communications

On the cover: University of Kentucky Chandler
Hospital (Lexington, KY), Award of Excellence
winner by Towers|Golde, LLC (New Haven, CT).

(Photo: Scott Pease Photography)

Coastal Restoration Meadow
at Island Habitat Landscape by
Anne Penniman Associates, LLC
(Photo: © Heather Conley Photography, LLC)

vi CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Stimulating Economic Activity and Debra K. De Vries-Dalton
Community Development by Design

T he publication of CTASLA’s Annual is our moment to celebrate
all things landscape architecture. We are proud to showcase
the recipients of our Connecticut Professional Awards and the
immense talent they display in creating their inspiring project designs.
Towers|Golde, LLC received the Award of Excellence for their planning
and implementation of an outstanding new addition to the University
of Kentucky Chandler Hospital complex. Find a quiet moment, grab your
favorite beverage, and slowly turn the pages to enjoy all of our award-
winning projects.

In addition to showcasing our awards, we titled this year’s Design
Talk section, “Boots on the Ground,” a collection of stories describing
economic and community development impacts from our landscape
architecture projects. I am always delighted to see how our communities
benefit from a landscape architect’s site-sensitive touch, especially given
my observations as a prior commercial real estate investment advisor. I
purchased commercial real estate properties for pension funds with the
eye of a landscape architect, although I did not realize it at the time.

The real estate I purchased were primarily properties of institutional
quality in terms of design, materials, and construction, with good trans-
portation access to their community and attractive site amenities valued
by their occupants and the public. During recessions a reckoning occurs,
and among similar quality buildings it is the properties with superior
designed landscape sites and access to community engagement opportu-
nities that consistently retain higher occupancy and rental rates. Higher
rental income, coupled with reduced expenditures on tenant retrofits and
leasing fees, results in higher property valuations, collectively increasing
the community’s tax base.

A landscape architect’s training provides the knowledge and design
creativity for increasing a community’s tax base, making that profes-
sional an invaluable development team member and municipal partner.
Landscape architects always seek to connect projects to their surrounding
communities, benefiting the individual property and community as
a whole. They are adept at providing key components for stimulating
growth and pedestrian activity by:

• transforming landscapes from ordinary to extraordinary.

• generating economic activity by creating spaces that people are
naturally drawn to, by interweaving nature with the built environment.
The High Line in NYC is a well-known example of a landscape

2018 ANNUAL 1

architect-designed project that transformed an expertise in grading, drainage, and site design to
abandoned elevated rail line to become a linear incorporate green infrastructure to lower the cost
park, vastly increasing pedestrian activity and of stormwater treatment plans.
adjacent real estate values after its opening.
Nationally, there is a trend for people to move
• increasing return on investment by treating back to cities. The infrastructure already exists,
stormwater with more cost-effective green and provides an opportunity for the revitalization
infrastructure and simultaneously creating of urban spaces. Connecticut is currently expe-
seamless scenic amenities doubling as wildlife riencing transit-oriented developments (TODs)
and pollinator habitat. along the Hartford Line, a commuter rail service
scheduled to debut in May 2018. We know we will
• incorporating placemaking features that experience the work of landscape architects in
celebrate the unique history and culture of a this great resurgence.
community.
CTASLA appreciates the volunteer time
Combined, these components create memo- and talent generously given by the Executive
rable places that people want to visit again and Committee and many of our CTASLA members in
again and again… the course of promoting our profession. We are
also grateful for the expert work of our Executive
Please read the “Boots on the Ground” section Director, Jeff Mills. We are looking forward to
with its illustrative examples of implementing forging new development and municipal partner-
successful economic, environmental, social, and ships throughout the state of Connecticut in 2018.
aesthetic community benefits. My advice is to hire
a landscape architect at the very beginning of the
planning process to take full advantage of their — Debra K. De Vries-Dalton
creativity in designing a site and building together President, CTASLA
as a seamless, integrated design. Early planning
allows landscape architects to utilize their

The High Line, NYC

Photo: Michael Rettenmeier

2 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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2018 ANNUAL 5

Anthony CrisafulliDevore Associates L andscape architects University campus and town
analyze, plan, design, green in New Haven; and
Anne Penniman Associates, LLC manage, and nurture the Beardsley Park and Seaside
built and natural environ- Park in Bridgeport.
Towers|Golde, LLC ments. They design parks, Landscape architects are
6 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE campuses, streetscapes, trail employed in many different
systems, plazas, playgrounds, settings, including dedicated
backyards, and many other landscape architecture firms,
projects that help define our multi-disciplinary firms,
public and private spaces. design-build companies,
Landscape architects are state and local government
at work creating compel- agencies, colleges and univer-
ling outdoor environments sities, and other professional
across the state, significantly settings.
impacting the quality of life Landscape architects often
in our communities. collaborate with architects
Notable public works of and engineers on built works
landscape architecture in projects as lead consultant
Connecticut include: Keney or member of the design
Park, the Institute of Living, team. Like these other pro-
and Constitution Plaza in fessions, landscape architects
Hartford; Walnut Hill Park are licensed in Connecticut
and the Central Connecticut (as they are in all 50 states),
State University quadrangle charged with upholding public
in New Britain; the Yale health, safety, and welfare.

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BL Companies Gregory Lombardi Design Incorporated Threshold Landscape Architecture, LLC

Milone & MacBroom, Inc. economic, social, and envi- With a diverse orientation and skill
ronmental benefits. ASLA set, landscape architects provide a
Landscape architects helped to develop the complex blend of services on a wide
must ensure that their plans Sustainable Sites Initiative variety of projects, including:
conform with state and local (www.sustainablesites.org),
regulations, including those a rating system to help pro- Campus planning and design
of local land use boards, mote and evaluate projects Cemetery design
Connecticut Department of that protect ecosystems and Commercial site design
Energy and Environmental conserve natural resources. Complete streets
Protection, Connecticut With nearly 300 members Corporate and industrial grounds
Department of Transporta- across the state, the Con- Cultural resource planning
tion, and the Americans with necticut Chapter of ASLA Design-build
Disabilities Act (ADA), to strives to advance the pro- Golf course design
name a few. fession of landscape archi- Green roofs
Landscape architects are tecture locally by providing Historic preservation and restoration
oriented to be stewards of educational programs, pub- Hospitals and other healthcare sites
the land; green infrastructure lications, information, and Hotels and resorts
and sustainability are key as- resources to our members Interior landscapes
pects their focus. Sustainable and to those seeking to Invasive plant management
landscapes sequester car- benefit from landscape archi- Land planning
bon, clean the air and water, tectural services. Learn more Land reclamation and rehabilitation
increase energy efficiency, at www.ctasla.org. Landscape art and earth sculpture
restore habitats, and create Master plans
value through significant Monuments and memorials
Municipal facility design
For a listing of our members, please see Natural resource planning
www.ctasla.org/members.htm. Park and recreation planning and design
Planting plans
Playgrounds
Public gardens and arboreta
Regional planning
Residential design
Security design
Site selection and feasibility analysis
Skate parks
Stormwater management
Streetscapes and pedestrian spaces
Therapeutic gardens
Town centers and greens
Transportation corridors and facilities
Urban forests
Urban planning and design
Wetland protection and mitigation

2018 ANNUAL 7

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2018 ANNUAL 9

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THE YARWOOD AWARD

T he Yarwood Award is the Bridgeport and Hartford loca- Agency, Bauer Park Committee,
highest award given by tions, and coordinating support and worked on Madison’s Plan of
the Connecticut Chapter between UConn faculty and Conservation and Development.
of the American Society CTASLA’s membership. She volunteered design services
of Landscape Architects. It recog- Barbara’s interest in Fredrick to develop trailhead parking for
nizes the recipient’s dedication, Law Olmsted and his work the Shoreline Greenway Trails,
passion, and commitment not began as a UConn student when in conjunction with the Madison
only to our profession, but also she served as an Olmsted Legacy town engineer, and worked to
to the Connecticut Chapter. Intern for two years during gain approval to build an addi-
Barbara Yaeger, PLA, ASLA, summer sessions. Her interest tional section of the trail along
our 2017 Yarwood Award recipient, and knowledge deepened Route One at Hammonasset
is a landscape architect at Eric through her continuing research State Park. Barbara served
Rains Landscape Architecture in of Olmsted’s parks. She was as the Commemorative Tree
Norwalk, CT where she works on the chair of “Olmsted Parks Program Chair for Friends of
a diverse variety of commercial, in Transition: Respecting the Hammonasset.
municipal, institutional, multi- Past, Planning for the Future,” a Barbara’s enthusiasm and
family, and residential projects. highly regarded conference and dedication continues to benefit
Barbara’s outstanding ded- bus tour presented by CTASLA the public and local landscapes
ication to our profession and and National Association for through her work with CTASLA,
CTASLA can be traced from her Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in April, the landscape architecture pro-
early activity in the chapter 2017. Shortly after, Barbara fession, and Connecticut’s
while she was a student served a term on the NAOP Board. communities.
member at the University of Barbara earned her Bachelors
Connecticut, when she attended of Science in Environmental — Debra K. De Vries-Dalton,
several executive committee Horticulture from UConn, a President, CTASLA
meetings. She joined the board Masters in Business Admin-
by serving as member-at-large, istration from University of
followed by positions of program South Florida, and a Bachelors

“ Barbara’s passion for landscape
architecture and the environment
is reflected in her numerous public
service activities.
chair, secretary, vice president, of Science in Landscape Archi-
president-elect, president (two tecture from UConn.
years), past president, and pres- Barbara’s passion for land-
ently interim treasurer. Barbara scape architecture and the
has worked tirelessly to support environment is reflected in
UConn students through her her numerous public service
participation with student activities. She has served on
design projects, including the Madison Inland Wetlands

2018 ANNUAL 11

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ADVOCACY: A CTASLA PERSPECTIVE

W hile 2017 was a challenging year and shorelines as vital resources? Nature is
for the State of Connecticut — with a powerful friend, and landscape architects
the legislature’s major focus being know how to work with her.
the development of a comprehensive budget Landscape architects are helping to
— CTASLA continued its work of communi- create more livable, sustainable commu-
cating the value of landscape architecture to nities here, which continues to help position
key state leaders. Connecticut as a place with a high quality
In May, CTASLA’s advocacy team met with of life. Public housing, parks, streetscapes,
the state’s Department of Administrative campuses, downtown revitalization, and his-
Services to highlight the work of our pro-
fession and our ability to lead complex “Landscape architects are
site development projects. As a result, helping to create more livable,
the Department of Construction Services sustainable communities here,
adapted their guidelines to include land- which continues to help position
scape architecture firms alongside engi- Connecticut as a place with a
neering firms in the selection process for high quality of life.
on-call service contracts involving land
development projects. Since Connecticut toric integration plans are revealing some of
municipalities often echo state contracting the hidden gems of the state. Planning such
procedures, we hope this will have a ripple spaces requires long-term thinking — but
effect. What does this imply for owners also nets long-term benefits. The value of an
and practitioners? Better project outcomes, oak tree planted today will be realized for
and more work opportunities for landscape at least the next 50-100 years, and typically
architects. much longer.
Resiliency planning continues as an The economic issues affecting the state
important topic for the State of Connecticut. will be solved through long-term solutions.
With billions at stake along Long Island Landscape architects provide Connecticut
Sound, landscape architects are stepping in the value of long-term thinking. We
as crucial leaders in efforts to protect the encourage residents, legislators, and state
state’s natural and built resources. While and local leaders to engage landscape archi-
Connecticut was spared from the devas- tects in conversations about how we can
tation of the terrible storms that impacted help elevate the value of your communities
other parts of the country last year, we must — and prepare them for tomorrow.
continue to address the exposed dangers
that exist here. The question that landscape — Aris W. Stalis, ASLA, Chair
architects continue to help answer is not CTASLA Advocacy Committee
whether climate change is real, but how can
we improve and protect the environment
that the public experiences on a daily basis?
Can we continue to design “green” forms of
infiltration into our landscapes to improve
stormwater quality and protect our water

2018 ANNUAL 15

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DESIGN TALK:

Boots on the Ground

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AS A
DRIVER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A s I sit in downtown New social, go to spend their time…
Haven in the courtyard Walkable streets that make
of a coffee shop typing people linger and store hop
this introductory note, I raise and spend a day away from the
my eyes from my laptop to take digital world to take a breather…
a look around. It’s February, and Places that inspire community
even though it’s not exactly and activate the airwaves.
warm outside, there is a vibrant The answer, of course, is
life on the street. Local residents that no one element makes a
are walking to restaurants, downtown a success. Luckily,
grocery, and clothes stores, what landscape architects
children are making their way happen to be great at doing is
to music classes with their putting all the pieces together
parents, and university students in a coherent and artistic way to
are drinking coffee and studying enhance a downtown!
and discussing class projects. With this topic in mind, we
Life is abundant on the streets reached out to our members
and in the local shops! and local community leaders for
As an urban designer, I examples of landscape archi-
often question what makes a tecture as an economic catalyst.
downtown “work” and spur a The following pages underscore
local economy? Can a street the importance of the practice
survive without retail and res- of landscape architecture as
idential? If you build it, will it a critical capital investment
come? Or is it the other way to a town’s economy. Even a
around — can the retail and residential project can inspire
residential survive without the owners to entertain more, which
street? Can any of it survive can lead to more business net-
without the people?! working.
Are there places that are so May we all learn from each
unique — whether designed or other. We hope you enjoy!
evolved — that attract life?…
Places that people, shy or — Michael Hunton, ASLA

2018 ANNUAL 21

Allegra Anderson Photography

Downtown Mansfield and Town Square

by Brian Kent, ASLA / Kent & Frost Landscape Architecture, Mystic

M ansfield is composed of 19 historic villages including Storrs — location of
UConn, the town municipal complex, and E.O. Smith Regional High School.
By the late 1990s Mansfield was still a rural town but UConn had grown
to over 20,000 students. Surveys conducted by UConn determined that the lack
of a college downtown — that “college town” feel — was a negative factor when
potential students considered the university.
Within this context the Town and UConn began a collaborative process
envisioning a walkable mixed-use town center containing a range of commercial,
residential, and institutional land uses that would benefit both town and UConn.
After years of planning, the Mansfield Downtown Partnership was formed. The
partnership obtained approvals and gathered community input through over 400
public meetings. Construction on the 47-acre site took place between 2011 and 2017.
The Town used over $25 million in federal and state grants and a $3 million
partial tax abatement as the public side of a public-private funding formula. Master
developer Leyland Alliance along with collegiate housing developer, EdR (Education
Realty Trust) provided around $190 million equity capital. Now completed, Storrs
Center includes over 80 businesses (retail, restaurant, office), 668 housing units
(rental and for-sale), a multi-modal transportation center, and the Betsy Paterson
Square, where many events are held year round.

22 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

The square was designed by through the plaza in bands. Amar Batra Photography
Kent + Frost to accommodate The central lawn is a kid
informal social activity, pedes- magnet. At 50 feet in diameter “The central lawn is
trian circulation, and a variety and slightly elevated atop a
of events including the annual rounded granite curb, the lawn a kid magnet, an
Celebrate Mansfield! festival becomes an irresistible place to irresistible place to
that closes surrounding streets. go barefoot and run, jump, and go barefoot and run,
By day the site is notable for its dance. It also serves as a place jump, and dance.
heavy pedestrian use, brightly to sit back and enjoy a concert,
colored furniture, and sculp- sunbathe, or practice yoga.
tural elements. By night it is The grade change allows
a sparkling oasis with custom for a raised stage area on the
light effects that attract casual southeast corner. The steel
users and creates a memorable and polycarbonate pavilion
landmark. The square benefits was designed as a dramatic
surrounding businesses and res- placemaking element. The two
idences by providing a meeting massive steel pylons are topped
place and setting for outdoor with internally lit LED beacons.
dining and people watching. When not in use for events
Since the primary desire it serves as a dramatic entry
lines of circulation cross the gateway. Flanking the pavilion
square on diagonals, all corners are raised planters containing
are open to pedestrians. A shrubs and perennials. A bike
diagonal pattern of charcoal, rack/fence protects the planters
gray, and white concrete pavers from trespass and provides plen-
was employed to scale down tiful bike parking.
the expanse of the plaza and Storrs Center has generated
express the strongest circulation jobs, businesses, residents, and
flow. Permeable pavers encircle economic growth. More than
the central lawn and run 1,300 residents live in Storrs

Rendered plan view of Mansfield Town Square. Center’s 626 apartments and
42 homes, and 80 downtown
businesses have created over
400 jobs. Storrs Center’s owners
have also become Mansfield’s
largest taxpayers, representing
9.6 percent of the city’s grand
list. And the area now has that
college town vibe sought by the
stakeholders.
The project has received
much recognition including
Connecticut Main Street Center’s
Award of Excellence for Public
Space and one of 22 interna-
tional finalists in the Urban Land
Institute’s 2015 Global Awards of
Excellence.

2018 ANNUAL 23

BETSY PATERSON SQUARE Amar Batra Photography

C omprised of “town and gown” officials, business
owners, and residents, the Mansfield Downtown
Partnership was formed to take on the task of revital-
izing Storrs Center. Through the Partnership’s work,
one theme quickly stood out: the community needed a
gathering space; there was no other, easily identifiable
center in the Town of Mansfield. The Partnership sought
to address this need by making a public space the
center of its work, both literally and figuratively.
The new development in Storrs Center was designed
around what would become “Betsy Paterson Square,” a
centrally-located public square with shops, restaurants,
and services facing it. The space needed to be ade-
quately sized for big events, while maintaining a friendly
scale for everyday use by residents.
Kent + Frost found the right balance. On warm days,
one can find residents and area workers enjoying lunch
or dinner on the tables and
chairs, playing or reading
on the lawn, or sharing
coffee and a chat on the
sitting wall. The Partnership
hosts a wide variety of
events on Betsy Paterson Square designed to attract
residents and visitors of all ages and interests, such as
weekly concerts, movie nights, and trick-or-treating.
Colder months can be a tougher sell, but with the right
programming, people come out to enjoy caroling, ice
sculptures, and hot chocolate. In 2017, the Partnership’s
events drew nearly 9,000 people to Storrs Center.
While it has only been two years since its com-
pletion, Betsy Paterson Square is already a success.
UConn students, high school students, parents, and
seniors all convene and converse on this true com-
munity space, the center for town.

— Kathleen M. Paterson, Communications and
Special Projects Manager for Mansfield Downtown
Partnership, Inc.

“ Storrs Center has been Kim Bova Photography

transformative in many ways. We now
have the college town vibe we were
seeking, with a place to congregate and
gather as a community. The project has
also added significantly to our tax base
and created many new jobs.

2—4 ForCmONeNr EMCTaInCsUfTieLAldNTDoSCwAnPEMAaRnCaHgITeErCTMUaREtt Hart

A vibrant jewel in Newtown recommendations, administrative rec-
ommendations, and a physical plan. The
We began working with Sandy Hook Village town received a DECD grant for Phase 1 in
and the town of Newtown in 2000. We 2004, which was completed in spring of
developed a master plan with phasing and 2006. There was an immediate impact with
budgets after an extensive community out- the opening of new restaurants and busi-
reach and site analysis. The plan included nesses and the improvement of many of the
funding opportunities, communication building facades by property owners. Phase
2 was funded through a similar grant in 2012
and was completed in 2013. More restau-
rants and businesses have opened and new
housing has been approved for the village. In
2015, we assisted the town in developing a
signage and wayfinding plan, which is in the
process of being implemented. Sandy Hook
has become a vibrant jewel of an area within
Newtown.

Jane Didona, ASLA
Didona Associates Landscape Architects, Danbury

A recipe for success

The Culinary Institute of America,
located in Hyde Park, NY, was
founded in 1946 and is considered
to be the premier cooking college.
It is also the top tourist attraction
in Hudson Valley with over 1,000
visitors a day. When we were
asked to rework one of the main
plazas, we suggested that the
space be reworked as a beverage
garden. This design creates five
distinct gardens: a distilled bev-
erage garden, a fermented bev-
erage and juice garden, a tisane
(or herbal tea) garden, a soda bev-
erage garden, and a beer garden.
Along with being beautiful, this
plaza educates both students and
visitors and adds another educa-
tional attraction to the campus.

Diane M. Devore, ASLA
Devore Associates, LLC, Fairfield

2018 ANNUAL 25

An outdoor oasis builds community

I had the pleasure of working with a great slope and ledge). As a team, we created an
family, landscape contractor, and pool oasis for the family to spend more time out-
installer on a difficult project in 2015-2016, doors socializing, relaxing, and being closer
almost straight out of the gate after starting to nature. Not only was this project con-
my own firm. The project allowed the family tributing to the local economy and building
to utilize a significant portion of their community on multiple levels during con-
property that was otherwise unusable (steep struction, it will continue to do so as long
as the installation remains in place and
Lensi Design is enjoyed. As a landscape architect I am
always conscious of the big ways in which
even the smallest of jobs that I contract
(a simple rain garden, for example) con-
tribute to the community economically and
socially: minimizing the effects of storm-
water, creating habitat, providing food for
wildlife and pollinators, creating cutting
gardens for clients to brighten their home
and everyday life.

Abigail Adams, ASLA
A2 Land Consulting, LLC, New Fairfield

An outdoor oasis tucked nicely into the slope on a private
residence in Ridgefield, CT.

From the ruins, a wetland and learn about the brewing properties and
beer garden emerges other characteristics of the plants and their
habitat.  People from all over the world will
Dumped on and forgotten for decades and have an opportunity to socialize and reflect
surrounded by industry and pavement, a within this wetland “beer garden” oasis.
remnant and nearly lost wetland is pro-
posed for revitalization as part of Two Roads William Kenny, ASLA
Brewing Company’s economic and social William Kenny Associates LLC, Fairfield
growth. Two Roads has experienced great
success since opening in 2012 in Stratford
and is now expanding with a new experi-
mental brewhouse.

The mostly forgotten and abused habitat sits
adjacent to the brewhouse. We are happy to
be designing and bringing new life to this
wetland for environmental, social, and eco-
nomic benefits. Native, edible plants will
fill the space for master brewers to use in
their beer recipes. While strolling through
the garden on elevated boardwalks, guests
will experience local ingredients first-hand

26 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

A streetscape reimagined downtown, as well as being much easier
to manage when inevitably work had to be
Landscape architects, of all of design pro- done under and around the sidewalks. New
fessionals, understand the value of a street- granite curbing, light fixtures, benches, and
scape that is well thought out, but especially refuse/recycling receptacles were all planned
when it’s right outside your office window! into the streetscape. The most important
A couple of years ago, our office was asked change was to remove parking on one side
by the Town of New Canaan to help improve of the street — never an easy task — and
Forest Street, which was due for updated extend the sidewalk. This allowed for all of
underground utilities and new paving — a the restaurants to provide outdoor dining
great time to consider the overall design. areas. Forest Street has now become an even
At that time, the street was one-way with greater dining destination in town and can
parallel parking on both sides and narrow be quite a happening scene in warm weather.
concrete sidewalks that were crumbling At certain times of the year, the street is
from tree roots and years of Connecticut closed to vehicular traffic and is hustling
winters. Along with retail spaces, there and bustling with sidewalk sales or farmers’
were several restaurants on Forest Street markets…and we can take it all in from our
which were long-established and had been office chairs!
serving loyal patrons for many years. With
input from our office, New Canaan had been William N. Pollack, ASLA
integrating brick sidewalks throughout the Keith E. Simpson Associates, New Canaan
downtown area, and Forest Street would
be no exception. The brick sidewalks have
proven to be part of the charm of the

Forest Street, New Canaan

2018 ANNUAL 27

A new green space
for community —
and contemplation

Occupying the site of the former
Kensington Grammar School in
Berlin, CT, this new green space
has been transformative to the
spiritual and community life of
parishioners of St. Paul’s Church.
Conceived by the members of
the congregation, the space pro-
vides a much-needed resource
for elementary school events,
community engagement, cele-
bration, and ritual. At the same
time, the prayer garden provides a spot for spiritual contem-
plation. Completed in the summer of 2017, the Green has already
hosted the annual picnic, Christmas celebrations, concerts, and
numerous activities for the adjacent parochial elementary school.
In a nod and connection to the past, decorative elements from
the elementary school were incorporated into the plan.

Phil Barlow, ASLA
TO Design, LLC, New Britain

A natural solution to an eyesore

The Stamford Jewish Community Center
provides preschool children’s programming,
after-school activities, adult classes, and
senior events. The property had an unsightly
one-acre pond with overgrown invasive plants,
which prohibited the use of the area. Our
firm, engineers, and consultants provided
the Center with a solution that removed the
invasive plants, helped to obtain the necessary
permits, and created a sustainable, more aes-
thetic solution. A new permeable walking trail
was laid out in the field for maximum viewing,
and native and wetland plants were installed
along the trail. The design provided locations
for public art and recreational activities. It has
been very satisfying to see the area become a
much loved natural asset to the Center.

Nancy Spaulding, ASLA
Spaulding Landscape Architects, LLC, Stamford

28 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Meriden Green: If We Build It, They Will Come

by Mark R. Arigoni, ASLA / Milone & MacBroom, Inc., Cheshire

W ell, it wasn’t a baseball field out of a cornfield scenario, but over 20 years
ago the City of Meriden and design team at Milone & MacBroom, Inc.
began to focus on a 14-acre, city-centered contaminated industrial site
that consisted of an old abandoned mall building and a massive paved parking lot.
The site was perfectly located within Harbor Brook’s watershed to be considered a
viable place for flood mitigation. But what would this flood storage look like, and
how could it be used when it was dry?
All good questions, but first a bit of context. The City of Meriden has had a
history of flooding as a result of decades of river channelization, filling the Harbor
Brook floodplain, and placing the river in a series of underground conduits all in the
name of urban development. Following increased flooding damage every year, the
city embarked on a strategy to control flooding by removing major impediments,
providing natural storage areas, and creating floodway and floodplain benches to
improve conveyance capacity. The most significant component of this strategy was
to find sizable flood storage areas that worked hydrologically and hydraulically.
Along with a rural woodland location on the outskirts of the City, the design and
construction of a 14-acre storage basin in the heart of the downtown seemed to fit
the bill for all engineering aspects and ended up being the catalyst for an entire
downtown urban revitalization.

2018 ANNUAL 29

With a guided eye toward outdoor concerts, an outdoor Project Highlights:
economic redevelopment, the classroom space, fitness walks, • Harbor Brook was restored to
City decided on a non-tradi- and lunches on the green — just its original location, including
tional approach to the flood a few of the happenings that are the construction of pools and
control project, focused on land- becoming common occurrences riffles using native stones and
scape architects as dual-lead in the park. The neighboring boulders. The stream channel
professionals alongside water public and private investments was planted with native, low
resource engineers and with that have been recently com- maintenance wetland species
close coordination of brownfield pleted or are under construction selected to promote riparian
experts, wetland biologists, and will only bring more critical habitat and serves as an urban
geomorphologists. mass to this dynamic outdoor outdoor classroom.
The design team led project space.
stakeholders through several • Land forms and small dec-
community design meetings, orative retaining walls were
creatively transforming a utili- developed to contain the 100-
tarian flood control basin design year flood event while cre-
into a downtown city park. ating an aesthetic and natural
The plan has linked neighbor- appearance for the park. Upland
hoods, provided a multitude of areas were created above the
spaces for community events, revised FEMA flood elevation,
and returned life to the river, inviting future economic devel-
enhancing the potential for opment opportunities and
private investment in the form private investment.
of residential and commercial
transit-oriented development. • Large expanses of reinforced
Although the Meriden Green natural lawn serve as flood
was designed to function as a storage areas but also provide
60-acre flood storage basin, it durable and strong space for
has served as the catalyst for civic events and free play.
a resurgence of public activity
within the City. The $14 million • In addition to being a major
project now hosts craft fairs, park feature and a tribute to the
City’s strong history, the Silver
City Bridge connects the neigh-
borhoods on one side of the
park to the downtown and rail
station, even during flood events.
The bridge is a feature both day
and night, and the decorative
LED lighting creates a safe,
usable element of the green.

• The ADA-compliant pedes-
trian walkway system affords
the public an opportunity to
interact with the new natu-
ralized brook corridor and is a
significant component of the
Meriden Greenway that will
eventually traverse the City.

30 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

GREENOMICS

The Meriden Green, completed and opened to the
public in Sept 2016, has re-energized economic
development efforts in all directions of the perimeter:

Photo: Justin Weekes • To improve the overall health of downtown, a
1960s-era low-income housing complex (Mills
Housing) at the northerly end of the Green was
demolished. To meet the need for resident relo-
cation, the Meriden Housing Authority partnered
with Pennrose to design and build Meriden
Commons I and II, both mixed-used/affordable
developments (to be completed in 2018 and
2019). Numerous small businesses have
expressed interest in leasing the forthcoming
first floor commercial space.

•  With the City designated as a stop on the New
Haven/Hartford/Springfield rail line, construction
has begun on a new Transportation Center
and the adjacent 24 Colony Street mixed- use/
affordable housing development, a joint venture
of the Meriden Housing Authority and Westmont
Development.

• The City purchased the former Record Journal
building and selected the Michaels Organization
to develop a mix-use development on the site
(construction is expected to begin in Spring 2018).

• City-owned properties 116 Cook Avenue/Factory
H (former International Silver Company) and One
King Place (former Meriden-Wallingford Hospital),
both of which have been vacant since the late
1990s, and are now being evaluated by One King
LLC for redevelopment; proposed uses include
market-rate housing, senior housing, a neigh-
borhood store, a senior center, and a new fire
station.

• Lastly, Pennrose is the preferred developer for
three commercial sites located on the Green
which will include first-floor commercial/retail
and additional housing.

All of these developments would not be possible
without the creation of the Meriden Green and other
Harbor Brook improvements. These projects will
infuse over $200 million of new construction and
invigorate other investments in downtown. The City
is seeing investments in other parts of our com-
munity due to the activities occurring in downtown.
It is safe to say our long-term planning is paying off.

— Robert J. Bass, P.E., Director of Public Works for

the City of Meriden. 2018 ANNUAL 31

The Golden Triangle

Langan’s landscape architects and engi-
neers are working to lay the groundwork
for economic prosperity in Westport’s
“Golden Triangle.” Main Street, Church
Lane, and soon Elm Street will have been
given a completely new appearance as
the town reimagines the streetscape to
include a new standard brick paver as well
as street trees, lighting, site furnishings,
and decorative crosswalks. Immediately
adjacent to Main Street, Langan worked
with David Adam Realty and Centerbrook
Architects on Bedford Square, restoring the
historic YMCA building and transforming
the downtown hub into a multi-purpose
retail and residential center that includes
a central rooftop plaza and pedestrian cor-
ridors which serve as the welcome mat to
the redefined downtown.

Michael Hunton, ASLA
Langan, New Haven

Civic beautification

It started with an idea…Dwight Brooks noticed that the landscape materials that spearheaded the
at the Katonah Village train station was in need of attention. As fundraising efforts.
Dwight says, he “just got a bee in his bonnet” and set out to improve
the views. First, he organized a team of designers dedicated to civic Chris Burdick, Supervisor of
improvement. Beyond himself and his associate, Leslie Dock of Dwight the Town of Bedford, embraced
the concept and promoted
Brooks Horticulturist, the project to completion. The
the team included Lynn newly installed native plantings
Becker of Trout Lily provide rich habitat and vibrant,
Design; Eve Hundt, Tom eye-catching views for shoppers
Hayden and Kristi Wright and shop keepers on Katonah
of The Katonah Village Avenue. The town is thrilled!
Improvement Society;
and myself. I donated Tracey Miller, ASLA
the illustrative drawings Tracey Miller Associates LLC,
and Katonah Publishing South Salem, NY
donated the promotional

32 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Place with a purpose © Heather Conley Photography, LLC

BL Companies’ landscape been implemented in a fiscally Maintaining relationships with
architects and associated pro- responsible fashion utilizing clients over time, as well as
fessionals have been working a combination of state grants providing them with insight
in partnership with the Town and municipal funding. BL and assistance, affords land-
of Rocky Hill’s Economic Companies’ landscape architects scape architects opportunities
Development Department for assisted the town in exploring to aide in economic prosperity,
the past 10 years to develop available funding sources, devel- encourage outdoor interaction,
and implement a Town Center oping phased implementation and promote sustainable alter-
enhancement project to support plans, as well as refining the natives — all required to achieve
economic revitalization and con- plan over time and as phases place with a purpose.
nectivity along the Silas Deane were completed to keep the goal
Highway. Landscape architects of economic advancement in the Dominick Celtruda, ASLA
developed a master plan that forefront. BL Companies, Hartford
refined community character
and reinvigorated town center
synergy and connectivity to the
Silas Deane commercial cor-
ridor. Pedestrian scale amenities
and enhancements planned for
the commercial core identifies
the area as a focal point for
civic activities, promotes walk-
ability, is business-friendly, and
accents cultural and historical
assets of the community. Phased
development for the plan has

Treating stormwater, creating habitats

Transforming the landscape, with its impacts to the greater envi-
ronment, sometimes leads to interesting economic results “down-
stream.” A half-acre naturalized wetland created from a barren field
at Bridgeport’s Central High School treats a significant volume of
stormwater prior to leaving the site. From infiltration to removing

pollutants, the enhanced stormwater systems are
some of the strategies we employ to assure the
water that eventually reaches Long Island Sound
is better quality than in the past. What does
this mean for Connecticut? Cleaner water for
recreation and for businesses that work the oys-
teries. The next time you indulge in a delicious
Connecticut oyster, think about the improved
water quality that helps make them a valuable
export for the state.

Aris Stalis, ASLA
Aris Land Studio, Bridgeport

2018 ANNUAL 33

From contaminated mill to Bringing the boardroom
reinvigorated community outdoors

As landscape architects, we have the privilege While private residences have long incorporated
to enhance public space and bring value to connected outdoor spaces, we have recently
neglected and underutilized land. Open Hearth seen greater interest in the development of
Park in Sydney, Nova Scotia (a 2015 CTASLA meaningful exterior spaces connected to office
Award of Excellence recipient) is a perfect buildings and office parks. A return corporate
example. The site, formerly one of the most con- client recently engaged us to completely redesign
taminated properties in Canada, was home to the their 1960s-era office building into a sustainable
second largest steel mill in North America. After and modern global headquarters for their newly
its closing in the 1990s, the community suffered a expanded firm. As part of the LEED Gold reno-
dramatic economic downtown, loss of workforce, vation of the structure, a new outdoor gathering
decline in property values, and disruption of its space was conceived and developed. Termed
social and cultural fabric. The remediation of the “The Bosque,” this new sunken plaza, framed
site was a Herculean effort; the transformation by concrete walls and a grid of Linden trees,
of the reclaimed site to a new park marked the is a seamless and deliberate extension of the
revival of the entire community. Trails, sports executive boardroom. Key business relation-
fields, public art exhibits, fitness ships between staff and external partners are
tracks, playgrounds, and a strengthened by meaningful interactions outside
multi-use open air civic space as employees from all levels of the firm head out-
with capacity for over 20,000 vis- of-doors to conduct business, socialize, and dine
itors provide the ideal venue for in fresh air.
community interaction, outdoor
recreation, and economic vitality. Allan Broadbent, ASLA
Granoff Architects, Greenwich
Gary Sorge, FASLA
Stantec, New Haven

Photo-realistic rendering of “The Bosque,” a new corporate plaza designed by
Granoff Architects functioning as an extension of the executive board room to
bring business interactions outside.

34 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Review by design

West Hartford has long valued A “gateway” to West Hartford at Farmington and Prospect Avenues.
good design by land use profes-
sionals and, in fact, has codified Hands kept in, still making footprints
it into its Zoning Ordinances
through the establishment of a I wasn’t fond of retiring from the daily rigors of a pro-
Design Review Advisory Committee fession that I very much enjoyed for about 50 years, but
(DRAC). The Town requires that at the time had come. So when asked to run for the Planning
least three members of DRAC be and Zoning Commission in Mansfield, I said “yes,” and was
“qualified by reason of education, elected. My first task was to work with the town’s director
training or experience in archi- of planning to rewrite the landscape regulations, ranging
tecture, landscape architecture...” from historic sites to subdivisions. It was then decided
As a committee filled with design that a downtown be created for this rural university com-
professionals, we approach each munity. I had become chairman of Planning and Zoning, a
and every project with an eye position whereby the members of the commission would
towards ensuring that public and act as critics for the proposed plans wrought by the proj-
private development maintains a ect’s designers. The downtown was built, our regulations
high degree of “community- were followed, and now, at age 85, I still work with the town
minded design.” planner, reviewing plans, especially those dealing with
landscapes. My hands have been “kept in,” and I am happy.
A simple expression of these
efforts can be seen in the redevel- Rudy J. Favretti, FASLA, Storrs
opment of 668 Farmington Avenue
(located at the Northwest corner of
Farmington Avenue and Prospect
Avenue, the boundary between
Hartford and West Hartford). DRAC,
through a collaborative process
with the developer and input from
the community, was able to achieve
a more community-minded design
that includes a pocket park, a
“Welcome to West Hartford” sign,
and contextually sensitive building
setbacks and landscaping, in an
effort that both acknowledges and
showcases this important gateway
node into the community.

While we are not always perfect,
the Committee strives each and
every time for a meaningful con-
tribution towards improving the
urban fabric of the town.

Jeffrey Gebrian, ASLA, Installation of patterned custom pavers at Mansfield Town Square.
Chairman, West Hartford Design
Review Advisory Committee; and
Todd Dumais, Town Planner,
West Hartford

2018 ANNUAL 35

Jane Jacobs in the World of
Urban Tech

J ane Jacobs’ maxim that more people on the
street make neighborhoods come alive has
remained spot on as cities and towns have
begun to pay more attention to biking and pedes-
trian infrastructure in recent years.
Planning initiatives that have focused on
complete streets and linear parks provide us
with real world examples of how good landscape
design can breathe life into the public realm and
underpin sustainable economic activity. Numerous
studies document how on-street business revenue
increases when bike lanes are installed and car
parking spaces are converted to bike racks. People
shopping by bike or on foot spend more time
while out shopping and make more frequent trips
than their driver counterparts — this is good for
business, and for us humans as well!
At the same time that many municipalities are
experiencing a mode shift towards biking and
walking, urban tech startups are exploring every
facet of multi-modal and networked mobility.
Connected benches allow a quick phone recharge
while taking a stroll through town, a variety of
electric bike products shorten distances for
cyclists, bus shelters can become sources of
real-time local information, and even the humble
bike rack is being redesigned for a better cycling
experience. Everywhere we look, there are
examples of how technology can enhance the
lived experience in the urban environment. It’s an
exciting time to be a designer for the public realm.
Landscape architects should test (and critically
assess) new urban tech products, especially those
that help people get around car-free. A delightful
streetscape that is sensitive to cyclists and pedes-
trians’ desires can amplify a municipality’s trans-
portation infrastructure efforts, and entice people
out of their homes and cars to take part in a more
vibrant neighborhood.

— Julia Hansen received her MSc in Building and
Urban Design for Development from University
College London and is co-founder of Flycycle, a
bike rack company based in Cambridge, MA.

36 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Open for Business: A Popular Trail
Connects to Main Street in Canton

by Brian Kent, ASLA / Kent & Frost Landscape Architecture, Mystic

T he Farmington River Rail Trail through
Collinsville was constructed in the 1990s
with ISTEA funding. Because the project was
limited to the former railroad right of way cor-
ridor, there were few amenities or connections to
the adjacent village center; the trail essentially
bypassed the village. Since its inception the trail
has become one of the most popular and heavily
used multi-use pathways in the state. In 2013, the
Town of Canton engaged Kent + Frost to prepare
a Village Center Master Plan and Phase One con-
struction documents that included transformation
of the rail trail segment. The planning process
involved numerous meetings with stakeholders
representing residents, business owners, elected
officials/staff, and trail groups. The resulting design
represents a careful balancing of the various stake-
holder priorities with special deference made to
the historic character of the village.
Phase One was completed summer of 2015
and has transformed the experience of trail users
along this segment of the trail. A shaded plaza

2018 ANNUAL 37

“A principal objective of the project historic district. The Phase One design incorpo-
rated railroad tracks into the pavement at the
was to stimulate economic activity. former freight station (now the Crown & Hammer
The once-hemmed-in trail now opens Pub) and bluestone strips though the sidewalks.
onto Main Street and welcomes To enable increased access to Main Street busi-
visitors to shops and restaurants. nesses, the design removed curbing on a central
block of Main Street and replaced it with bollards
with benches, bike racks, lighting, information and textured pavement. Walkers and bike riders
kiosk, bike repair station, and water fountain greet are given undisputed right-of-way and drivers
visitors to the village. A principal objective of the typically proceed slowly. Phase Two will continue
project was to stimulate economic activity. The this general approach and also incorporate place-
once-hemmed-in trail now opens onto Main Street making features such as public art, wayfinding
and welcomes visitors to shops and restaurants. elements, and historic grindstones used in the
The landscape architects incorporated street- factory.
scape elements that reference the 19th century The Village Center Master Plan employs
period when the village was a thriving company Complete Streets principles and innovative urban
town. The Collins Company made edge tools like design to create a highly walkable and bikeable
axes, machetes, swords, and bayonets. It also built community. On the strength of the Master Plan
most of the village now recognized as a national and success of Phase One, the town received a
Transit-Oriented Development grant for imple-
mentation of Phase Two, encompassing the
remaining village center. Kent + Frost is currently
developing design plans for this phase.

38 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

A million trees for NYC

I was grateful to be part of the initial planning and
development of MillionTreesNYC, an innovative, public/
private initiative with an ambitious goal: to plant and
care for one million new trees across the city’s five bor-
oughs. Led by New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and
the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation,
this groundbreaking project began with a master plan
in 2007. The goal was to give New Yorkers access to the
numerous environmental, social, and economic ben-
efits that trees provide — which are vital for a healthy
city. The citywide movement was successful and com-
pleted two years ahead of schedule. Planting the trees
engaged individuals and energized communities, gen-
erating respect and interest in the city “urban forest.”
The project has increased interest in volunteerism,
environmental education, and public policies that are
leading to a more beautiful, more sustainable, and
healthier New York City.

Janice Parker, ASLA
Janice Parker Landscape Architects, Greenwich

A community park framed by good bones

When the public pool at Greenwich’s Byram Park was slated for demolition several
years ago, a public/private partnership was formed to raise the money to replace it.
Always eager to give back to my community, I was thrilled when asked by the town’s
selectmen to play a leadership role in the master planning for the project. The needs
of the project quickly grew into a major redesign of the park, involving traffic patterns,
a parking study, pedestrian flow, and recreational facilities. The conceptual overview
and 3-D renderings that I created to address
those needs became the guiding tools used by
the committee to rally community support,
communicate with town officials, and ulti-
mately kick off fundraising efforts. The project,
currently under construction, is slated to open
this summer and has grown into a multi-million
dollar community development program that
will benefit generations to come. The bones of
my original drawings remain at the core of the
final design, illustrating how landscape archi-
tecture, when adopted early, can play a central
role in shaping and improving the quality of life
for a community’s residents.

John Conte, ASLA Byram Park, early concept rendering.
Conte & Conte LLC, Greenwich

2018 ANNUAL 39

Three’s a charm

Three projects in our office exemplify how land-
scape architects affect the economy of an area.

The first is the most traditional: individual
designs for a site. The lifestyle center known as
the Shoppes at Farmington Valley, in Canton, pro-
vides retail space to the Route 44 corridor. Unlike
a traditional strip mall, this lifestyle center has
retained its businesses and provided tax revenue
to the town even as retail struggles to define itself
for the next generation.

On the other end of the spectrum, the design for Above: Shoppes at Farmington Valley. Below left: column
the new entry sign to the Town of Simsbury was detail for Simsbury gateway signage. Below right: Main Street,
an immediate success as illustrated by being Town of Hebron.
used in the town’s promotional brochures, which
helped to elevate its
status in several “best
of” competitions. This
project was a labor of
love, which required
over two years of
work and the input of
nearly 1,000 residents.
It might not have
generated any direct
income, but it had a
significant and imme-
diate impact on the
image of the town.

Finally, 20 years worth sentation to the 2016 American Association of
of small projects for Planners national conference, respondents noted
the Town of Hebron that they wanted to be on Main Street as it had
have had a cumulative become the “heart of the community.” Income for
effect on the devel- individual business was up and vacancies were
opment of this suburban community. The vision low. Landscape architects might not get a lot of
for the town’s “new” Main Street took quite a public credit for what we do — but what better
while for people to get used to. Some objected to testimonial do we need than that?
the removal of parking on the street, the addition
of sidewalks, and the idea of spending money on Terri Hahn, ASLA
a town green. Despite that, and done in incre- LADA, P.C., Simsbury
mental steps as money became available instead
of a single dramatic project, success is undeniable.
Hebron today is well known for its town green
and revitalized Main Street. When Main Street
business owners were interviewed for a pre-

40 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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2018 ANNUAL 41

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