The Windsor riverfront project is about much more than simply rebuilding a run-down little house. It must be seen as part of an overall vision of the community centered around the creation of downtown neighborhoods that are safe, pleasant, sustainable and attractive. It is about capitalizing on the assets of Windsor to make places where people of all ages want to live and where they can have access to the services and activities they want and need. With good transportation access, quality housing and easy access to outdoor activities, downtown Windsor has the potential to be a desirable residential experience..
The renovations of 38 Jarvis Street began primarily in response to the need to enforce flood regulations. There is much to understand about flooding and the related regulations and many residents of Windsor are affected. The Riverfront Neighborhood of Jarvis Street, National Street, Acme Street and River Street includes over 50 homes in the flood plain. These are homes whose values are limited in their current state. Lack of flood resiliency makes investing in maintenance and repairs difficult to justify. The added expense of flood insurance complicates the issue even further. This is over 50 homes that are part of the second largest historic district in Vermont, overlooking, and with access to, the Connecticut River and in sight of Mt. Ascutney that, if made flood resilient, would become part of a plan to create a downtown neighborhood that is walkable, responsible, and sustainable. For many reasons, at different periods in life, it makes sense for people to live in downtown areas.
One of the original 68 homes for workers on the Riverfront in Windsor
Older homes built before the flood regulations that remain unchanged are not required to be upgraded. However, if maintenance and improvement costs of 50% or more of the building’s value are incurred, the house must be made “Flood Resilient”. To be in compliance with FEMA regulations the lowest occupied level of a home must be one foot above the established Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The building must be on a securely anchored foundation and must allow for the flow of water into and out of any enclosed areas below the flood level.
In developing the foundation plan for 38 Jarvis Street, the intent was to be simple and safe, and achievable by a reasonably capable contractor or homeowner without the need for specialized equipment. We also looked for an approach that would minimize the damage to the interior. The method that was developed involves the installation of two long beams attached to the exterior of the building. These two beams are used to lift and straighten the building and then left in place as part of the final foundation. The method is quick and requires nothing more than manual jacks. Supporting the building are three concrete walls placed parallel to the flow of the river. The soils in this area are silty sands which can easily be excavated for footings using only hand tools which is important when working under the building.
The final product is a small home that can be flexible in meeting the needs of the occupants. One bedroom on the main floor and a large open loft above can accommodate a single resident, a couple or a small family. A full kitchen with ample room to prepare meals and spend time with family and friends, and a private rear yard with space for a garden should make a satisfying environment.
