Northwest Connecticut Welcome & Information Center
Relocation and Renovation Project ~ Formerly Skee’s Diner

Project Contact Information
Ryan J. Bingham, Mayor, City of Torrington, 140 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790

860-489-2228 ~ ryan_bingham@torringtonct.org

and

JoAnn M. Ryan, President & CEO, NW CT Chamber Education Foundation, Inc.,

333 Kennedy Drive, Torrington, CT 06790 Torrington, CT 06790, 860-482-6586
joann@nwctchamberofcommerce.org

Mission
To promote tourism and education in Northwest Connecticut by displaying appropriate business information and materials for the purpose of introducing residents and visitors to the numerous historical, education, civic, recreational and cultural opportunities available throughout the region.

Overview
Northwest Connecticut is one of the most beautiful parts of the state and New England. The towns and country side make this a most attractive destination. In addition to the beauty and historic nature of the covered bridges, rolling hillsides and architectural treasures it boasts a vibrant business community offering arts and entertainment, antique shops, galleries, restaurants and recreation for all to enjoy.

Although some of the smaller towns host visitors centers, there is a need to offer a comprehensive educational center in a centrally located space that will serve the needs of the entire region. Since Torrington is the economic core of the region and the gateway to Northwest Connecticut, it would serve as the appropriate location for a regional visitor’s center. It is believed that this project is a true collaboration of the many partners named in the flyer.

Project Description
Skee’s Diner, a 1926 Jerry O’Mahoney barrel-roof diner, was listed on the National Historic Registry in 2002. It is currently located in the north end of Torrington and owned by the Saint Maron Marionite Church, which is adjacent to the structure. The church intends to move to another location and to develop the current property for an alternate use. The diner has been vacant since 2000 and for sale since 2002, with the stipulation that it be moved, but no private entities have come forward to purchase the structure.

The Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation, in collaboration with a number of partners including the City of Torrington and with the support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, intends to purchase the diner from Saint Maron’s Church.

Project Category
The project is the purchase of Skee’s Diner, relocation of the historic diner to the commuter parking lot at the intersection of Route 8, Route 202 and Route 4 and its renovation converting it into the Northwest Connecticut Welcome & Information Center.

Current Condition
There is moisture on the inside ceiling. The roof has been re-done in tin and needs to be replaced. The etched windows need to be removed prior to the move from the current location to the commuter lot in order to preserve them. The basement is damp. The diner must be removed from its current brick foundation and placed on a new foundation. The current bathroom is attached to the diner. It would have to be replaced. The facility will need handicap accessibility with a ramp in the new location.

New Site
This historic building will be located on a site highly visible near Route 8’s Downtown Torrington exit at the intersection of Route 8, Route 4 and Route 202. A map is included in attached flyer. The location is made possible through a lease between the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, the City of Torrington and the Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation.

Proposed Cost
The estimated total project cost is $380,500. Funding will come from a matching $100,000 grant from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism as well as a number of funding sources, fundraising efforts and individual donations.

Project Schedule
The lease is in the process of being signed by the State, City and Foundation. Final drawings will be approved with the bid awarded to a general contractor. Move of the diner is tentatively scheduled for early summer 2009 with renovation underway through the summer and into fall 2009 for completion of Phase One.

Summary
The purchase and restoration of Skee’s Diner into the Northwest Connecticut Welcome & Information Center will not only preserve the earliest known surviving Jerry O’Mahoney diner in the state that will remain on the National Registry but also will provide educational opportunities in a highly visible location accessible to residents and visitors alike. In addition, its existence will highlight the many opportunities of working and living in the Northwest corner of Connecticut.