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Windsor Locks Preservation Association, Inc.
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Master Site Plan
For Renovating The Train Station
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Schematic Master Plan - Train Station - Windsor Locks, CT
Enlarged View at: 1X or 2X
Prepared by: Elmore Design Collaborative, Inc.,
Historical Landscape Architects
www.Elmore-Design.com
WINDSOR LOCKS
TRAIN STATION
Schematic Master Plan
Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Project Data
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Date:
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2004-2005
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Size:
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Small narrow parcel
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Context:
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Historic train station squeezed between Main Street and AMTRAK railroad tracks.
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1908
Fall 2004
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Project Description:
This 1875 train station is the last historic building left on Main Street.
The rest of this historic streetscape succumbed to Urban Renewal in the 1960s,
1970s, and early 1980s. This station was used for passengers until late in
the 20th century, when it was replaced with a small platform station just
one-mile to the south. Gov. Ella Tambussi Grasso used this station to begin her
historic new position in Hartford. In recent years, this station and the
former freight depot, now gone, fell into disrepair and have become an eyesore.
The newly formed Windsor Locks Preservation Association is working hard to save
this last piece of heritage, one of several components of Windsor Locks’
transportation legacy.
We were brought on board to develop a master plan to save the train station,
provide sufficient parking for the small building, and to create a public park.
We helped to refine the program and fit it into this narrow and small site
squeezed between the active AMTRAK tracks and a canal to the east and Main
Street / Route 75 to the west. Our design includes a safety perimeter fence
along the tracks to separate two distinct uses and to encourage safety.
A small outdoor display area and/or café type seating is provided near the
station with ADA and universal access into the station, which will be restored
into a yet to be determined use. The parking is placed between the station and
the park to accommodate both activities and has one-directional traffic flow.
Street trees and period style lighting will enhance the central parking area.
The park is self-contained, is enclosed with an ornamental fence, and has
controlled access through an ornamental gateway. Interpretive sign panels
will help educate and explain the historic significance of the site. The
park has special paving of different widths to direct flow and provide
opportunities for children to explore. Ornamental trees and plantings
will provide multi-seasonal color. An earthen and grass mound will provide
an open play area for kids. Other planned features include a restored caboose
with possible food concessions, a train related architectural feature at the
end on the tree-lined allee, and ornamental benches, lighting, and miscellaneous
historic train-related features. This expansive development program was uniquely
brought together within the confines of this tight site and enables the park to grow
northward if additional property becomes available.
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Join The Effort To Save The Windsor Locks Train Station!
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A Few Facts
The Historic Windsor Locks Passenger Train Station was built in 1875.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 for its 100th anniversary.
Ella Tambussi Grasso, the first woman Governor in US History, boarded the train at this very station to attend her
inauguration in Hartford.
The station was an important part of the town not only as a means of transportation but for economic growth.
The building, located on Route 159, is in danger of being lost to vandalism and neglect.
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