Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission
People
- Lisa Johnson, Chair
- Matt Ross, Vice-Chair
- Barbara Marsh, Secretary
- Bill Beckert, Town Council Liaison (non-voting)
- Garrett Daigle, Staff Liaison (non-voting)
- Ann O'Malley Kerr, Member
- Kelly Schaedler, Member
- Christine Petit, Alternate
Coverage (17 articles)
The Bookhouse on River Road Is Open, and They Will Bring the Book Out to Your Car
The Next Chapters Bookhouse opened Sept. 3 at 218 River Road in Unionville, three months after it cleared zoning as a parking calculation. Used books, a river-view cafe, felt mice, co-owner Lana Van Valkenburgh's children's book launching free on Saturday, and curbside delivery of a used paperback if you would rather not climb the stairs.
Unionville's Historic District Argued About Window Heat Loss.
"People are not going to live in homes that they can't heat." A commissioner said that out loud on September 3, during an argument set off by a state training video almost nobody has watched. The studies the state offered to go find were already on its own website, and the commission had already settled the question in 2022.
Three Unionville Preservation Projects Clear Review in 14 Minutes
A century-old church name is returning to School Street after three Unionville preservation projects cleared historic review in about 14 minutes.
Unionville's Historic District Approves Solar Panels, Then Goes Looking for More Old Houses
The Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission approved a rooftop solar array and two EV chargers at 796 Plainville Avenue on June 11, with no objection to how the panels would look from the road. The same night, the commission restarted a property-recruitment push it had let lapse since 2018 and lined up a fall training session for its members.
Unionville Historic Commission Sets Five Priorities for 2026, Welcomes New Liaison Bill Beckert
Nine months after a wave of departures left the Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission with three empty seats, two alternate seats remain vacant. The Commission held its first official 2026 meeting on Thursday, May 7 — five months after its last session — and welcomed Town Council member Bill Beckert as its new town liaison. Chair Lisa Johnson set five priorities for the year ahead: recruitment of new property owners (the Vibberts at 126 Main Street are first), public education sessions, commissioner training, new-member onboarding, and a fall walking tour timed to the Cobblestone Church's 100th anniversary.
Unionville Historic District Commission Advances Oral Histories Project, Elects Officers
The Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission approved three months of minutes, elected officers, and advanced its oral histories project during a brief December 4 meeting.
Wells Acres Residents Demand Road Reconstruction After Seven Years as Farmington Council Approves $773K in Other Projects
Civil engineer Joanne White presented 7 years of evidence demanding Wells Acres road reconstruction. Farmington Council then approved major contracts totaling over $773,000. Two-week deadline issued.
Farmington HDC Approves Brickyard Walk Sign and ~16 kW Solar at 93 Main; Winchell-Smith Dam Removal Confirmed
Farmington’s HDC approved a Brickyard Walk hanging sign at 769 Farmington Ave and a 16 kW solar array at 93 Main. Staff confirmed the Winchell-Smith Dam removal and a Nov. 6 oral-histories training.
Unionville OKs New Shaker Door, Adopts UConn Oral-History Tool, Faces Commissioner Exodus
Unionville Historic District Commission approves a new Shaker-style fiberglass door at 48 Cottage Street and votes to join UConn’s free “Their Story” oral-history platform.
Unionville HDC Sets Plans in Motion for Oral History Project
Unionville’s HDC is advancing a collaborative oral history project, partnering with local institutions to preserve voices before they vanish.
Unionville’s Past, One Story at a Time: Town Launches Oral History Project
Unionville is capturing its past through firsthand stories, documents, and interviews. Share your story at the Farmington Library and help preserve history. 🚀 #Farmington
Historic Charm Meets Modern Plans: Updates Approved for Farmington’s 1761 Farmington Avenue
🏡 Unionville Historic District greenlights a sleek new fence for 1761 Farmington Avenue. See how this historic gem blends the old and new! 🛠️
Brownstones, Roof Vents, and Peter Pan? Unionville’s Historic District Meeting Unveils More Than Just Plans
Inside Unionville’s October Historic District meeting: windows, brownstone veneers, and Peter Pan parties—yes, really! 🎃 And special thanks to Farmington Storage for all your local storage needs! 🏗️
Local Town Meeting Plots World Domination, Settles for Walking Tour Instead at 222 Main St.
Unionville plots world domination—starting with a historic walking tour! Join the rebellion at 222 Main St., Farmington, CT, or stay home and miss the sunscreen. ☀️ #LocalHistory #FarmingtonFun
Farmington’s Civic Thrill Ride: The Week of Meetings That Will Change Everything (or Nothing)
Get ready, Farmington! This week’s meetings at 1 Monteith Dr. & 155 Scott Swamp Rd. promise all the excitement of paint drying. Don’t miss out! 📜💤 #FarmingtonGovernment
Unionville’s Historic Walking Tour: Because What Else Would You Do in September? 🏛️🚶♂️
Join Unionville’s walking tour for a thrilling journey through history. Perfect for those who find modern life too exciting. 📜⚒️
Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission Meeting Ends in Frenzy Over Dilapidated Homes and Ghostly Histories
Unionville’s Historic Commission meeting dives into ghostly houses, thrilling renovations, and marathon walking tours. Don’t miss the drama and hilarity from last night’s session! 🏚️📜🕵️♂️