THE FREEMAN HOUSES
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
ABCD’s Plans for the Houses: An Introduction
The Freeman Houses consist of one duplex, one single family house and backyard space. One side of the duplex can be used for housing. When later additions to the original structures are removed a modern addition can be constructed to accommodate Center activities and offices. There can also be a garden, a bit of green space. The neighborhood has none. Should 20th century additions to the original structures be altered, modern additions can be designed to accommodate Center activities and commercial office space.
Historic preservation is now "green" and restoration projects required specialized skills. There are grants available to teach these skills, so ABCD views this project as a job training opportunity as well. The restoration, adaptation, renovation, and preservation of old homes and buildings is expected to be an area of economic growth in the future. Old structures will basically be recycled, an eco-friendly alternative that provides preservation construction workers with incomes 40% higher than their "ordinary" construction counterparts.
A recent "Visioning Workshop & Charrette" revealed that community stakeholders are united in their view that the Freeman Center be used as a center for history and culture (in the tradition of the Anacostia Community Museum or Weeksville) that would attract tourists and scholars. They want to honor the contributions that all working people made to Bridgeport by focusing on the backgrounds, experiences, and arts of this community's populations and their relationship to the Long Island Sound.
For more info contact Maisa Tisdale by email mtisdale@thefreemanhouses.com or by phone: (203) 366-8241, ext 231. Please leave a message.
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