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At least one Collins Co. structure slated for demolition

Timeline not yet clear, but additional fencing slated to go up as early as this week


By John Fitts

Staff Writer

COLLINSVILLE – It appears nearly certain that at least one structure – known as the “lower forge/triphammer shop" – at the former Collins Company complex will very likely be torn down following the Town of Canton’s notices of violations for three structures at the site.

In early February, the town’s building official and fire marshal notified the property owner At Collinsville, LLC concerning unsafe conditions for some of the buildings on site.

“Specifically, the structures as numbered 65, 45 & 15 [Canal Street] have become unsafe, insanitary and deficient due to abandonment, lack of maintenance, lack of utilities, constitute a fire hazard, and are otherwise dangerous to human life and public welfare, thereby deemed as unsafe condition,” a letter from building official Rand D. Stanley to James W. Tilney, managing partner of At Collinsville, LLC, stated. “As noted in Code Section 116.1, unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the building official deems necessary and as provided for in this section. The current condition require far more than a fence or barrier. These structures are currently in a state of collapse. Foundations, columns, beams, joists, rafters, roof sheathing and coverings, etc. have all suffered from years of neglect and must be dealt with.”

The structures referenced include the Granite building (#65) immediately south east of the rails to trails bridge over the Farmington River on the Farmington River Trail and the connected wheelhouse structure (#45). Additionally – behind those – is the former “lower forge/trip hammer shop (#15).

Town officials said the property owner has cooperated with the town – almost immediately covering some potentially dangerous points of entry with plywood.

Additionally, the owner has agreed to set up fencing around the buildings as early as late this week.

“They’ve agreed to fence the property which should be done by the end of [this] week. They’re just waiting for their contractor to get out there and set up a fence,” said fire marshal Timothy Tharau.

“Fencing is a temporary measure,” Stanley added. “It is a temporary barrier intended to protect the public – and the land owner. The building code requires when properties reach this stage that the owners either repair or remove. They make the decision. We don’t. They’re given the option.”

It seems clear that the structure known as #15 is coming down – although a timeline for that is not yet clear.

“They have indicated that they have been in discussion with a number of demolition contractors in order to secure pricing,” Stanley said.

“Yes, we are complying with the Fire Marshal/Building Official’s letters regarding the buildings on site,”James Tilney’s daughter Lisa confirmed in an email to The Valley Press. “A fence will be installed starting late [this] week to protect the area and ensure public safety while we work through the environmental and permitting issues associated with the demolition of the sheds.” In a follow-up email, she confirmed that the demolition for the "sheds" was for the structure known as the lower forge.

Additionally, At Collinsville, LLC engaged James K. Grant Associates, which specializes in structural engineering and historical preservation, to further assess the buildings. The report agrees that the #15 should be demolished.

“At this time, the Owner has decided to demolish Building 15. I agree with that decision,” Grant wrote in a report. “There are partial roof collapses in both buildings and portions that remain standing have deteriorated severely. Selective demolition in an attempt to preserve some elements of these two buildings will be more costly than total removal and will limit opportunities for future development. The objective is to take them down to the existing concrete floor slabs.”

The lower forge/trip hammer shop was originally built in 1859 as a 54 x100 feet and later extended to some 247 feet in length, according to "The Collins Company of Collinsville Connecticut," a history of buildings on site authored by Thomas Dunmore Ayres and Kathleen McLeod Taylor with photography by Gregory Kriss. (Taylor is Canton Town Historian and current property manager of the complex). The building was also heavily damage in the flood of 1955, but the book’s authors believe the company replaced many sections in ensuing years.

There seems to be better news when it comes to the granite building.

So far, all evidence suggests that the granite building, which is a prominent structure highly visible from the Farmington River Trail, will be spared.

"Building 65, known as the Granite Building, is one of the oldest buildings still standing on the Collins Company property. Building 45, the Wheelhouse, is actually the east wing of the Granite Building and was built at the same time. Unoccupied for decades, it has experienced some deterioration, notably, partial collapse of an area of the north wall,” Grant noted. “There is substantial community interest in preserving this building, as well as focused concern by the State Historic Preservation Office that demolition may be recommended. In recognition of its historic importance and community support, the Owner is determined to save the Granite Building.”

Grant’s report also includes a detailed narrative of the building’s condition and states the property owner plans to repair a large opening in the north wall of the structure.

Rand said he is certainly in favor of the idea of securing the granite building.

“Our concern was the condition of the granite building and with the assessment by a licensed structural engineer we’re more than happy to work with Mr. Tilney on the securing of that building to prevent any further degradation,” Stanley said.

The three-story granite building was built in 1846, according to "The Collins Company of Collinsville Connecticut" book. It is the oldest standing building at the complex and was “built to power Elisha Root’s die forging machines for making solid axe bodies,” according to the book.

The Wheel House is one-story, measured 33x34, was "built over a penstock" and "contained a water wheel," according to the book.

It's not immediately clear if the wheelhouse structure (#45) that Grant references as part of the granite building will remain standing.

As the town and property owner work through the issues, Stanley praised At Collinsville for its cooperation.

"They showed an absolutely understanding and willingness to work with the community and the town," he said.

The structures have been posted in accordance to the legal aspects of the building code as a means of protection for the community and for the building owner, he added.

"That’s really what this is about…. What we don’t need is a tragedy that affects the community in a negative way. ...It’s always a process and as long as there is clear communication and understanding there’s no reason why the town wouldn’t continue to work with the property owner.”

Set on approximately 19 acres along the Farmington River, the complex – from 1826 to the mid 1966 – was home to The Collins Company, a world-famous manufacturer of edge tools. Some in the area sometimes incorrectly think the area is abandoned as some 45 to 55 small businesses operate in several buildings, particularly from the center of Collinsville to the Farmington River Trail bridge.

The property itself has long been the subject of debate in town as several developers have looked to re-develop the site. In May of 2021, New York based developer Sheldon Stein proposed a mixed-use plan for the site. In August of 2021, the Canton Planning and Zoning Commission made changes in the Industrial Heritage (IH1) zone that regulates redevelopment of the complex, many of which were requested by Stein. And while Stein is no longer pursuing the project – reportedly for personal reasons – those changes are the subject of an ongoing appeal.

In February, a state of Connecticut Superior Court judge heard arguments in that case and a decision is expected soon.

Over the years, the town and the state have taken several steps to facilitate redevelopment, including the town’s Tax Increment Financing plan that would allow a portion of an increase in tax assessment that results from a project to go back into the project or related public improvements. Another example is 2021 $195,000 state Department of Economic and Community Development Municipal Brownfield Grant that funded the latest phase of environmental assessment and a final report should be available soon.

Meanwhile, potential developers continue to look at the property.

"We do continue to get developers who express an interest in the property and we meet with them and let them know all the incentives that are available and the benefits that they would incur from owning the property and developing it," said Canton Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner. "Obviously it’s the town’s hope that at some point the property would be developed and preserved.”


Editor's Note: Some reports and past studies of the Collins Co. use a different numbering system for its buildings.



Part of what is being referred to as #15 Canal Street is seen at the left of this photo, as well as the wheelhouse and Granite building. All three buildings were the subject of town action but the granite building - and potentially the wheelhouse - are likely to stay standing. In fact, according to an engineer's report, the wheelhouse is part of the granite building.

So far, indications are that the granite building will be secured.

A portion of 15 Canal St., the building slated for removal.

This building shows a small piece of the granite building at right (#65), the attached wheelhouse (#45) and the lower forge/trip hammer shop (#15).

A portion of 15 Canal Street.


This 2019 aerial shows the factory buildings that were recently the action of orders from the town of Canton. The long building in the rear - #15 Canal - is likely to be torn down at some point.

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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