Hygienic Art Renovation Project

Project History

Hygienic Art, Inc., now in its 23rd year, has proven to be a key leader in the revitalization of downtown New London. In January 2000, the derelict landmark building was restored, bringing artists, residents and the community back to the nearly deserted downtown area, spurring economic development and tje creation or relocation of other fine art venues, like the Alva Gallery, The Burnished Chariot Gallery, Empress of Art, and the Golden Street Gallery.

Hygienic Art, Inc., now established as the center of the fine arts community, accomplished its first phase mission by restoring the Hygienic Building and creating residential artists studios and a public art gallery. Phase two of the project will serve Hygenic's mission to serve the New London community by transforming its surroundings into a beautiful public art space. In September 2001 Hygienic Art completed its second renovation project. A dark corner lot in the rear of the building on Golden Street has been transformed into the Garden of Hygienia, a sculpture garden with wrought iron fences, red brick walkabouts and lampposts. A street that could not be walked down at night has now become inviting.

The project area lots adjacent to the Hygienic building have been designated as vacant lots since the demolition of the historic buildings there in 1982.

Project Description

Phase two of the Hygienic Art project involves the vacant lot known as 87 Bank Street, on the mural side of the building. Lots 87 and 99 Bank Street were purchased by Hygienic Art last December, with plans to convert lot # 87 into a public sculpture park and community performing arts venue, serving community artists for theater, art, music and children's educational programs. The botanical gardens will provide ongoing seasonal projects for the New London Public Schools landscaping classes. The Bulkeley House Restaurant, which purchased 99 Bank Street from Hygienic Art in January 2002, is collaborating with Hygienic Art to renovate its lot into an outdoor terraced restaurant/garden where patrons having dinner can also enjoy the arts activities going on throughout the park. The design and facades will interconnect the two lots in the same theme style. The collaboration will also provide Hygienic Art with a catering kitchen, to service community events held the park. This renovation not only beautifies an unseemly dirt parking lot, but also creates another

venue for artists to present their work and for the community to enjoy the arts. The renovation of these lots will add enormous value to the business and residential communities and downtown New London will become a community full of life and activity. The completion of the project will also attract tourists, dramatically improve the quality of life downtown, create an urban "oasis" and spark many other revitalization efforts.

Project Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives that have been set forth by the Hygienic Board of Directors are:

• Completion of phase two of the Hygienic Art Project
• Creating useful community space that serves both artists and educators
• Contributing to the redevelopment of downtown New London, both physically, creatively and economically
• Insuring that artists have the space and the tools they need to do their work
• Making New London the artistic "hub" of Southeastern Connecticut
• Creating community and business partnerships with arts organizations as a way to revitalize Downtown New London