Our Mission

What we do

The Norwalk Preservation Trust works to protect our irreplaceable historic buildings and neighborhoods, landscapes and streetscapes, by raising awareness, partnering with other organizations, and taking appropriate action when necessary. These actions include education, advocacy, and public awareness.

We aim to identify, retain, and enhance Norwalk's historic buildings, sites, and neighborhoods. We believe that Norwalk's architectural heritage should be a living part of the community. We are working to become a resource for property owners, businesses, developers, and government. Together, we can save, reuse, and revitalize the structures that remain as visible reminders of our area's rich and vibrant history.

Why we do it

Historic sites and structures provide important information about people and events. Physical places provide positive links to the past that can never be replaced. Historic preservation works to save buildings, structures, sites, and other objects so these vital links will not be lost. These places tell us where, how, and why people lived. They help define who we are as a community. They are Norwalk's visible history. This identity provides knowledge and insight for the future.

Protecting Norwalk's historic places, however, accomplishes more than just preserving the past. It has real, tangible benefits for our city in the here and now:

Community

  • Historic places serve as community landmarks and sources of civic pride. Modern buildings lack the variety of materials and details that went into older structures. Learning, working, and living in historic buildings adds to our quality of life.

Economics

  • Well-preserved architecture enhances a community's appearance and sense of well being. Healthy and productive communities, in turn, draw and sustain new businesses and residents. Tourism increases as a result. Saving old places helps Norwalk's economy prosper.

Environment

  • Historic preservation is good for the environment. Tearing down an old building wastes the materials and energy that went into constructing the building in the first place. Our finite resources are saved through preservation.