The competition, which showcases one Connecticut Treasure in each of the State’s eight counties, runs from September 12 to September 23. Anyone who wishes to vote for The Jonathan Sturges Cottage as favorite Connecticut Treasure can click on the following link http://aiact.org/. Under People’s Choice 2016 Voting, there are six voting categories including the last category, Connecticut Treasures.
The People’s Choice Award Competition is being held for the public to learn more about the role of architecture in their area and to support their county’s nomination. The Competition also seeks to enhance recognition of Connecticut’s rich cultural heritage. The AIA Connecticut Design Committee, made up of architect members, selected all of the nominees for the Connecticut Treasures category. Shortly after the voting period ends, award recipients will be posted on the People’s Choice webpage. The favorite Connecticut Treasure will be acknowledged at AIA Connecticut’s Awards Reception in December. Past winners include the Glass House in New Canaan and the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry.
First Selectman Mike Tetreau said, “I encourage members of the Fairfield community to vote online for The Jonathan Sturges Cottage as Connecticut’s favorite treasure. It is quite an honor that among the many architectural structures in Fairfield County, AIA Connecticut selected The Cottage as one of its treasures for this online competition. As the fourth oldest municipality in Connecticut, Fairfield prides itself on continuously finding ways to honor and preserve our rich past.”
The Jonathan Sturges House, also known as The Cottage, was built as a summer home in 1840 for Jonathan Sturges one of the organizers of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Jonathan Sturges’ grandfather served in the Continental Congress as a representative of Fairfield during the American Revolution. Situated at 449 Mill Plain Road, The Cottage is an early example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture. This historic home is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994. Members of the Sturges family have occupied the home for generations.
About AIA Connecticut:
The Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects is the professional association for Connecticut architects. It serves the architectural profession, encourages design excellence, and works to improve society through a concern for the quality of the built and natural environments. The photo shows Mill Plain Improvement Society President Charles Case, Jonathan Sturges’ great, great, great granddaughter Mia Johnson, her son, Lane Johnson, Helene Epifano, great, great granddaughter of Jonathan Sturges, and First Selectman Mike Tetreau. Helene Epifano’s mother, the late Mary Rousseau, was the fourth generation resident of The Cottage.