Priest Property - Community Farm Project

The goal of this project is to commission an architectural/engineering feasibility study to evaluate restoration requirements, and costs, in order to accommodate the development of South Windsor Community Farm.

SECTION I

Historical and Architectural Significance:

The Priest Farm Property is an outstanding example of a typical farm, existing in the same configuration and in the same family for almost 200 years.  South Windsor's agricultural roots are well represented not only by the modest 19th century farmhouse and related outbuildings, but also by the type of cultivation and consumption practiced throughout the town. Unique in the recent history of the property is the concentration of rare plants and trees collected by its last owner, Norman Priest.  The property was purchased by Lawrence Stoughton and was built in 1823, according to Edna Priest, the last resident of the house.  It remained in the same family until the Town of South Windsor  purchased it in 1998.  Norman Priest grew up on the farm, where his family raised a small amount of tobacco (six to eight acres), common in South Windsor, which provided enough income for the year.  The family was mostly self-sufficient, as they also kept horses, pigs, dairy cows and chickens.  When Norman Priest took over the farm he concentrated on milk production for income.  He may be best remembered for his passion for horticulture and rare plant species.

SECTION II

Introduction of the Project:

As the only publicly owned remnant of a working farm, the site wil serve to help preserve the key elements of the cultural landscape of the town's history. One of the most outstanding features of the farm is a distinctive cement silo located directly behind the farmhouse.

It is envisioned that the feasibility study funds for Phase I will be used to engage a team which could include:  a planer; landscape architect; structural engineer; architect;and developmetn consultant.  Funding for the Phase I Study is being supported by a $24,000 grant awarded by the State Office for Historic Preservation, and by a $4,000 grant awarded by the South Windsor Communtiy Foundation.

The major part of the Priest Farm land has been leased to local farmers and included crops such as potatoes, corn and hay planted at the site.  The location of the proeprty is an ideal site for an educational/community farm center.

The Town of South Windsor has deep agricultural roots and the location of this property, within walking distance of the Town Hall and the newly proposed South Windsor "Downtown Center", make it an ideal site for inclusion in this area, as recomeneded in the recently adopted Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD).  The addition of a unique historic component, such as the Priest Farm, will lend charm and a sense of the town's heritage to the future development of this area of town.  The South Windsor Plan of Conservation & Development, adopted on August 18, 2013, promotes both the preservation of South Windsor's agricultural history and historical structures.

SECTION III

Information:  Priest Farm, South Windsor

At this time the building is in disrepair and has been vacant for fifteen years.

There is tremendous potential for the building and property as an agricultural center that would contribute to the quality of life of South Windsor residents by increasing the footprint of the town center as a walkable destination for culture, education and commerce.  Because the property is so large, there are many passive recreation uses that could be supported - from picnicking to hiking on a boardwalk that curently crosses the southern end of the property and ties into other open space properties.

The farm will provide an enjoyable gathering place for the public, a new home for the South Windsor Farmers' Market, a farm/CSA facility, and Community Gardens will provide opportuntiites to build cohesion in the community.