#MiddleburyCT #SHM #SaveHistoricMiddlebury
By MARJORIE NEEDHAM
Save Historic Middlebury (SHM) first came to the newspaper’s attention with its November 13, 2024, social media posting saying it had filed a lawsuit to stop demolition of the Timex Headquarters on Christian Road in Middlebury and also had applied for the building to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The posting said SHM “is dedicated to preserving historic structures in Middlebury, Conn., through advocacy, action and working with local government to enact preservation laws.”
As of December 22, it appeared its initial efforts in both areas have been unsuccessful. The lawsuit filed November 8, 2024, to stop the demolition was dismissed December 3, 2024, and the application to have the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places was denied December 6, 2024.
SHM President Nick Stuller said in a telephone interview that the group’s efforts to have the building’s historical importance recognized will continue. Although it was denied recognition at the state level, Stuller said the group plans to file directly with the National Park Service for a listing on the federal register.
He said the federal register does require the property owner’s agreement for a building to be listed, but while that may not be possible, it could still receive a determination of eligibility indicating it would be on the federal register if the owner agreed. Records and photos of the building would be preserved even if the building were demolished.
Stuller, who has toured the building, said it is magnificent. “It’s still being used today. It is not in disrepair and it’s not dangerous. There is no reason to knock it down.”
The State Historic Preservation Review Board minutes show that staff member Jenny Scofield said at the Review Board’s December 6 meeting that the staff recognizes the interesting design of the building, but did not think “the exceptional significance is justified.”
During public comments, some 11 people spoke in support of protecting the building from demolition. Kevin Bernier, general counsel and COO of the corporation that represents Southford Park LLC, said both Southford Park and Timex objected to the nomination. He said the building is 23 years old, is obsolete and doesn’t meet the threshold to list it.
David Drubner, part owner of Southford Park, also spoke, saying the application didn’t include necessary information. He said Save Historic Middlebury was created in 2024 “after they lost in other venues to stop demolition of the building.”
Three members of the Review Board then commented, saying the case had not been made for listing the building on the National Register. One said, “Perhaps it was an innovative building, but it hasn’t stood the test of time,” noting it was compelling that the owner was moving out after 23 years. Another felt the nomination didn’t provide context. He said the case had not been made for the significance to list it in the National Register. The board voted unanimously not to recommend the Timex Headquarters for listing in the National Register.
The lawsuit SMH filed against Southford Park LLC sought to prevent demolition of the Timex Headquarters Building at 555 Christian Road in Middlebury. It stated Southford Park’s approvals from the Middlebury Conservation Commission and Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission included demolition of the building. It mentioned the lawsuits filed by the Middlebury Small Town Alliance, which are awaiting a decision by Judge John L. Cordani.
It sought to enjoin Southford Park from demolition of the building, saying demolition would proceed otherwise. It asked for temporary and permanent injunctions against demolition, removal or destruction of the building. Stuller said that lawsuit was dismissed due to a technical issue and no future lawsuit is planned at this time.
