The CIGNA Companies had, in a remote corner of their Bloomfield campus, this historically and architecturally important stone house. As a gesture of civic goodwill, CIGNA had the building moved to a more residential site and renovated it, in conjunction with the Oak Hill School for the Blind and the Corporation for Independent Living, as a residence for five women with physical and mental disabilities.

Smith Edwards Architects was contracted to conceptualize all the technical aspects of the structure’s move and to plan its restoration and renovation. The house’s exterior was restored to its original appearance, and an addition which harmonizes with the original building was added to the rear. Inside, the house was remodeled to provide a comfortable congregate living environment for its five residents. Since these women are visually impaired, interior materials were selected to be tactually appealing, and in the landscape, plant material was selected which would delight with scent or sound.

The Gillette House project required significant supervision and “hands-on” involvement of the architect. It was completed within the budget and qualified for Historic Tax Credits as a Certified Renovation.

The Gillette House
Bloomfield, Connecticut
CIGNA
Completed 1991