Pequot Library Getting $1.5 Million Roof Replacement

FAIRFIELD, CT — Work is underway on a $1.5 million project to replace Pequot Library’s 125-year-old terracotta roof, according to a library news release.

“This restoration project is long overdue, and the trustees enthusiastically endorsed proceeding with this critical effort despite the current pandemic,” said Nelson North, president of Pequot Library’s Board of Trustees, in the news release.

Repairing the library building’s original Ludowici terracotta tile roof was deemed an urgent priority in a 2019 architectural assessment conducted by New Haven architects Pirie Associates with support from the State Historic Preservation Office. Pirie Associates has experience in historic renovations and is directing the roof replacement project.

Pequot Library was founded in 1889 and designed by noted American architect Robert H. Robertson. It opened to the public in 1894 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2018, the Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects recognized the library with a Connecticut Treasures Award, according to the news release.

The library's Board of Trustees is committed to replacing the roof's Ludowici tiles, which are long-lasting and contribute to the building's historical value, the news release said. The layout of the roof is complicated, with four intersecting shapes, as well as dormers, gables, pyramids, and chimneys. Contractor Kronenberger and Sons Restoration, a company that specializes in historic building projects, has been hired to oversee the undertaking, which is expected to be finished in 2021.

“It has given us something positive and tangible to look forward to, and the new roof will protect our beautiful Romanesque Revival building for generations to come," North said in the news release. "It is our privilege to be the ones to provide this much-needed care to our historic building.”

Pequot Library is a public association library and nonprofit, and receives 20 percent of its annual general operating support from the town of Fairfield. The library is responsible for raising 100 percent of its capital costs.

Fundraising efforts for the roof began in the spring. As of late December, nearly two-thirds of the cost of the roof had been raised. The project’s supporters include The Southport Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and restoring unique and historic buildings and property in Southport.

The library introduced its “Sponsor-a-Tile” program in time for the holiday gift-giving season and will continue to promote the program in the new year. The library is also seeking grant opportunities for other necessary capital improvements.

“The outstanding support of the Southport-Fairfield community is so inspiring,” Executive Director Stephanie J. Coakley said in the news release. “Pequot Library’s devoted patrons from near and far have stepped forward with much-needed donations because they love Pequot Library and believe in the importance of preserving one of Fairfield’s iconic historic buildings for years to come.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, the library has worked to remain an active resource for the community, pivoting in the spring to primarily virtual and digital offerings. Over the summer the library reopened for curbside pickup and limited browsing hours.

To learn more about the roof restoration or to donate to the effort, visit www.pequotlibrary.org/roof.