BACKGROUND
Whitney House, also known as Gilbert House after its original owners and more contemporaneously known as the Rainbow Center or International House when last used by the University, was built between 1802 and 1807 and is located on Storrs Road (SR-195). One of the oldest structures on campus, the colonial revival house has been a contributing resource to the University of Connecticut Historic District since 1989 as recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
Vacated without a useful purpose since 2004 and irreparably damaged by fire, smoke, and water in January 2023, Whitney House is unsafe for occupancy and beyond reasonable repair. As such, the University notified the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Town of Mansfield regarding its intent to demolish the structure, and subsequently submitted a Project Review Cover Form to SHPO in May 2023. This project will plan, design, and decommission Whitney House for demolition, assess its environmental impacts, and eliminate present hazards and liabilities associated with the existing structure and site.
The University will continue to communicate and coordinate its plans with SHPO and the Town of Mansfield, including any commemoration of the site, and will proceed according to applicable statutes and regulations for the decommissioning and demolition of historic properties under state jurisdiction.
Post-Scoping Notice
(As published in the Environmental Monitor on October 3, 2023)
Address of Project Location: 1315 Storrs Road
Municipality where it is located: Mansfield
Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On July 3, 2023, the University of Connecticut published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this proposed action in the Environmental Monitor.
A public scoping meeting was held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. A recording of the meeting and a copy of its presentation were posted at https://updc.uconn.edu/whitney-house.
Comments were received during the public comment period from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP), Willington Historical Society, the Town of Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission, the Town of Mansfield Town Council, and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development State Historic Preservation Office and thirteen members of the public.
After consideration of the comments received, the University has determined the action does not require preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under CEPA. The agency’s conclusion is documented in a Memorandum of Findings and Determination, an Environmental Review Checklist, and a Synopsis of Comments and Responses from the Scoping phase.
Agency contact:
Name: James Libby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Agency: University of Connecticut, University Planning, Design and Construction
Address: 3 Discovery Drive, U-6038, Storrs, CT 06269
E-Mail: james.libby@uconn.edu
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to: https://publicrecords.uconn.edu/make-a-request/
What Happens Next: The University expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice for this action to be published in the Environmental Monitor.
Scoping Meeting Materials
Notice of Scoping
(As published in the Environmental Monitor on July 3, 2023)
Address of possible location: 1315 Storrs Road
Municipality where proposed action might be located: Mansfield
Project Description: Built between 1802 and 1807, Whitney House is one of the oldest structures on campus and has been a contributing resource to the University of Connecticut Historic District since 1989. Damaged by fire, smoke, and water earlier this year, the building is unsafe for occupancy and beyond reasonable repair. This project will plan, design, and decommission the building for demolition, and will eliminate present hazards and liabilities associated with the existing structure and site.
Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until 5:00 PM EST on: Friday, August 4, 2023
There will be a public scoping meeting online for this proposed action:
DATE: Tuesday, July 25, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM EST
Register in advance at:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aBU9fGcXRUKzXAGGDVgusw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
A recording of the public scoping meeting will be linked here by 5:00 PM EST on Thursday, July 27th, 2023.
Written comments and/or questions about the public scoping meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, should be sent to:
Name: James Libby, Sr. Project Manager
Agency: University Planning, Design & Construction
Address: 3 Discovery Drive, U-6038, Storrs, CT 06269
E-Mail: james.libby@uconn.edu
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to: https://publicrecords.uconn.edu/make-a-request/
What Happens Next: The University will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.