The Most Important Threatened Historic Places – Updates

Norwich State Hospital, Preston (1993).  The former hospital once again faces an uncertain future, since the town of Preston cut off negotiations with its preferred developer, Northland Investment Corporation, on October 1. The Massachusetts-based Northland proposed a mixed-use development with hotels, golf course, spa, marina, housing, and retail for the 419-acre property, which is listed on the National Register.

            Preston has until January 5 to exercise its right of first refusal on its portion of the property, but the small town cannot afford to do so without a developer in place. Otherwise, decision making for the site will revert to the state.

            One problem between Preston and Northland was environmental cleanup. Even though the state used the site for decades, it has required that cleanup be done by any purchaser. This burden, along with the poor condition of the buildings—the result of the state’s neglect during the protracted divestment process—has made marketing the site much more difficult.