Borough 496 Hamden Business Incubator

The Newhall Elementary School was originally constructed in 1917 with additional classrooms added in 1919 and a gymnasium and cafeteria addition in 1941. The building is located on the original high ground of the surrounding Newhall Neighborhood that was a victim of illegal dumping to eliminate the native wetlands and create area for the addition of new homes. In 2013 the neighborhood was identified as a brownfield. With this designation the areas contamination has been cleaned up or capped and the area was completely revitalized with new parks, housing, and infrastructure improvements The elementary school was closed in the early 2000’s and the Newhall Neighborhood Community Center moved into the building. In 2010 the building was abandoned due to the environmental concerns and remained vacant for several years. The building fell into disrepair, developing several roof leaks that damaged the roof and interior structure. In 2013 we were successful in listing the building on the States Register of Historic Places. With the designation, grants became available for the planned renovations. We developed drawings and planed additions that were accepted by the State Historic Preservation Office. Priority was placed on repairing the roofs of the building to prevent further deterioration. Areas of original construction that were able to be preserved such as moldings, plaster finishes and window details were identified. The remainder of the interior was gutted to the structure. The project required brick restoration, window and door replacement, new main entrance for the parking area, new MEP systems, integration of a full sprinkler system, improved exterior wall and roof insulation, and accessibility upgrades including a 5-stop two-sided elevator.