Built in 1906, nearly fifty years before James Merrill and David Jackson arrived in Stonington, the eclectically styled, shingle-clad building at 107 Water Street originally contained street-level retail space, second-floor clubrooms, and third-floor living quarters.
The first floor corner space, which was occupied for nearly 50 years by clothing boutique The Hungry Palette, and which currently houses Roberto Freitas' American Antiques, was once home to the town pharmacy. The first floor north unit, which currently houses the JMH Visitors Center, was once home to the Village Barbershop.
Like any century-old structure in New England, the building requires a significant amount of upkeep, and the JMH Board is committed to maintaining this building for years to come.
Thanks to generous funding from foundations, individuals, Merrill family members, and the state of CT — and through the tireless efforts of dedicated staff and Board members — the following repairs have been made over the past three years:
Electrical updates on the first floor, including updated GFCI outlets, new emergency exit signs, and the relocation of an electrical panel
New wooden boards on the fourth floor deck
New oil tank in the basement
New keypad locks on interior doors
A complete renovation of the first floor north unit (the JMH Visitors Center) and the first floor south unit (Roberto Freitas' American Antiques)
BEFORE: The JMH Visitors Center under construction.
AFTER: The JMH Visitors Center today!
In addition to these repairs, the JMH Board was able to hire an architect to complete a total assessment of the building and devise a Master Plan, which outlines the scope of capital repairs to be made in the future. These include:
Water mitigation throughout the building
Analysis and repair of the flat roof on the fourth floor studio
Shingle replacements on the exterior of the building
...and more!
With your support, the JMH Board will continue to maintain this National Historic Landmark building — for the benefit of our writers, our followers, and to carry the legacy of the poet who inspired this community, James Merrill.
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