Village Creek – an Historical and Architectural Wonder in South Norwalk
This past year Village Creek in South Norwalk was named to the Connecticut and National Registries of Historic Places. This exceptional honor happened not just because of the wonderful history surrounding Village Creek, but also because of the beautiful architecture and design of the community.
Village Creek was not only created to ensure racial and religious equality in the midst of the 1950’s in America, but it was created to highlight the new modern Post World War II era in America. Many of the homes are inspired by the contemporary style of Frank Llyod Wright (in fact Edgar Tafel, Wright’s student, was one of the architects).
To live in Village Creek one must join the Village Creek Home Owner’s Association and abide by the rules of their Architectural Control Committee. Owners agree to all sorts of demands. Among the rules that must be followed are that all the homes sit a certain distance from the road, maintain a clean and beautiful façade and landscape, and abide by a certain color scheme. Of course keeping the contemporary style is encouraged.
Many of the homes were built with open spaces and emphasized simple and natural shapes. They have large windows (usually facing the water) and open floor plans. These pictures are of 17 Dock Road – one of the homes that is currently FOR SALE in Village Creek.
Many notable architects helped build Village Creek. Edgar Tafel, Stanley Katz and Percy Ifill are just some of these well-known architects. Percy Ifill’s firm, Ifill Johnson Hanchard, was the largest African American Architectural firms in the Northeast during the 1960’s and 1970’s.
This emphasis on beauty and architecture has clearly inspired some notable artists to reside in Village Creek. Of note are Antonio Frasconi whose art is on display by the Museum of Modern Art in and the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, and Joseph Lasker whose works are part of the Whitney Museum of American Art, Hirshhorn Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Smithosonian American Art Museum.
Even if you aren't looking to buy, everyone should take a drive through Village Creek and admire this State and National treasure in South Norwalk!
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