On Friday I had an opportunity to go once again to Cinestudio at Trinity College, “world cinema since 1970”.  I had the chance to say hello to an old friend, James Hanley, the co-founder of Cinestudio. We have known each other since my move to Hartford in 1972. He is one of Hartford’s quiet treasures who created  a movie theater that is second to none in the country. We talked of the past years since I have been away from Hartford and about the ongoing improvements and changes at Cinestudio. Throughout the years James has been able to keep up with, and in many ways stay ahead of, movie houses by always installing state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. We movie goers have benefited from the small screen, big sound of the theater. I reminded James that it was at Cinestudio where I first saw “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” never imagining the 

wondrous experience of chanting with the dialogue. What a treasure we have.

During the weekend I was engaged in a conversation with a friend who wondered if I wasn’t glad to be so close to New York and Boston to be able to tap into the cultural opportunities found in these two cities. I responded with pointing 

out that Hartford has cultural advantages aplenty, that I feel no compelling argument for travel. Access to theater, dance, music, libraries and art is immediate and everywhere. On most nights I can find an opening, performance or presentation, often multiples. As the fall approaches I plan to secure season tickets to several organizations so as not to hyperventilate on which performance to choose. How very fortunate we are to have such great access to these events. So I can only respond with who needs Boston or New York when right here we are offered such an exciting and profound array of options?

Since returning to this good city I find that I have become an uninhibited cheerleader for what makes me happy to be back. In future blogs I hope to continue to point out what is so good about Hartford. I am troubled by the sense of an apology when talking about Hartford. I am the new guy but an old hand about the city. Rediscovering Cinestudio is one such example. Do yourself a favor and sign up for their electronic notices which can be done online.

It is the first of July and I find it hard to reckon with the summer fully engaged and flying by. Always seems that winter is a struggle to endure and then summer evaporates.

The Alliance has said goodbye to its longstanding and effective Tomas Nenortas. For the past seven years Tom has provided research, information and technical assistance to countless historic properties. Many Hartford residents have relied on his advice to help guide their rehabilitation projects. He has attended all manner of meetings, both public and private, representing the preservation of the nearly 4,500 historic structures in Hartford. He has been the go-to- guy for anyone in doubt about what to do. The board and staff of the Alliance wish him all the best in his next chapter.

Today marks the six-month anniversary of my tenure at the HPA. These past six months have been filled with learning and seeking out how we can be effective in being a robust partner with the City of Hartford. As I have met with lots of people I have shared my vision of historic preservation being the “foundation” upon which community economic development is built. With the rich history of this wonderful city, preserving the past most certainly guides our steps toward the future. “Hartford Has It” starting with amazing historical assets, a story which is second to none. I am excited at the potential of historic preservation playing a role in building communities. In future scribbling I will begin to lay out some steps including resources which I believe can encourage and support renovation and rehabilitation. In meeting with the HPA Executive Director Transition Team to review the past six months, all agreed that the Alliance has much work to be accomplished, yet we are poised to seize the opportunities before us.

This past Saturday I shared the stage at the Hartford Public Library with some very good and interesting thinkers who participated in the daylong event known as TED^x Bushnell Park. Organized by a local entrepreneur Steve Yannicke, the tag line for the website is “ideas worth spreading” and I was asked to talk about the relevance of historic preservation in Hartford. Over the course of several days I was introduced to some amazing people with very interesting ideas and concerns. For anyone with the least bit of curiosity about what impacts their lives, this worldwide forum presents ideas, challenges and solutions which will simply expand horizons. The local initiative was truly inspirational.

The block of speakers to which I was attached fell under the title Redrawing the Cityscape. I joined David Panagore, urban consultant, who spoke of “Why Streets Matter, Why They Need To Be Complete;” David Fink, policy director, Partnership for Strong Communities, who spoke on “Why Mixed Income Housing?;” and my topic “Historic Preservation: The Foundation for Community Economic Development.” The message I have been articulating is that historic preservation should not be viewed as the preserve of the upper-income folks but that it represents the “foundation” upon which communities can create or recreate a true sense of them.

I spoke of attending an open house last week which celebrated the historic rehabilitation of two houses on 47-49 Wolcott Street. These twin duplexes were built in the 1860’s. Now restored they will become homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in a neighborhood which is in great need to celebrate a new sense of pride. Each of the former townhouses has now been subdivided into one two-bedroom unit and one one-bedroom. The intent is that the smaller unit might be rented to generate income to help pay the mortgage. This is a simple solution to creating homeownership and to making housing affordable and yet preserving the historic home. In their remarks Mayor Pedro Segarra, Jim Jones, president of Trinity College and Marty Gavin CEO of the Children’s Medical Center all referred to the historic significance of these two buildings. They were new when Abraham Lincoln visited Hartford to voice his anti-slavery message and met Harriett Beecher Stowe at the same time. It is efforts of organizations such as Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA) which do the difficult work to bring about this sort of community revitalization. It represents the future of historic preservation work – linking arms with community development which can continue to make Hartford a “livable “ city.

The Connecticut Legislature adjourned with several wins for those of us involved in historic preservation.

We who work with funds from the Community Investment Act (CIA) joined forces to rebuff an attempt to redirect money to fill funding gaps in other budget items. CIA funds are designated for:

• open space
• agriculture viability and dairy support
• historic preservation
• affordable housing

Through the efforts, in part, of Connecticut Preservation Action (CPA) and other organizations, we were able to establish the economic benefit these funds bring to communities throughout the state. Due to this effort, the fund has been left intact.

Senate bill SB 960 Historic Preservation Ordinance was passed. This enabling legislation allows for town and cities in Connecticut to establish historic commissions. It allows their creation but does not force any to be created.

SB 960 bill offered an added benefit to us preservationists in Hartford. Several years ago a municipal ordinance established the Hartford Preservation Commission however, recent objections have been raised regarding its right to exist. Once again, CPA & HPA went to bat to encourage passage of this enabling legislation. This has the effect of strengthening the ability to main the Hartford Preservation Commission.

Legislation was also passed which broadens the potential utilization of the Connecticut Historic Home Rehabilitation Tax Credit program. This powerful financial incentive is somewhat unique in the country. It offers capital to homeowners who are renovating properties listed on the historic register, an incentive for projects contributing to preservation efforts in the State. We at Hartford Preservation Alliance would be happy to discuss these credits with any homeowner wishing to do work on their houses. Our organization is equipped to offer advice, guidance and consultation. For additional information, homeowners can contact Mary Dunne (mary.dunne@ct.gov) at the State Historic Preservation Office for further information. It is our goal to have these credits fully-utilized – only by demonstrating homeowner demand can we seek additional credits in the future.

As part of the new website of the Alliance I introduce myself.  I am Frank Hagaman and initiating this blog marks the six-month anniversary of my being hired to take preservation in Hartford forward in what I hope to be new directions.  Built on a fine and sound foundation,  the Alliance is now poised to explore new possibilities to promote and encourage historic preservation.  I come to this organization with backgrounds in both finance and preservation –  a “reformed” banker who went on to found an affordable housing development corporation.  I wear hats which are fundamental to the adaptive reuse of the amazing historic fabric of this city.  The Alliance will join the effort to make Hartford into a place to call home as I have done having returned to Connecticut after twenty years away.

Please explore our website.  We are constantly adding new information and content.  This will grow to be a resource for anyone wishing to know information on things historic in Hartford.  I plan to write more on various topics so please stop back often.  Your comments, questions and concerns are most welcome.  It is my hope to make this blog interactive.

So welcome . . .