Oct 2, 2019
This week, we talk to those behind a conspicuous and widely anticipated historic preservation project in western New Canaan. The Ponus Ridge Chapel has stood along Ponus between Frogtown and Davenport Ridge for more than 100 years, a stone structure that began its life as a place of worship and became a hub of neighborhood activity, for much of its life owned and operated by an association. In the past five decades, as the association and Chapel’s use became inactive, the building fell into vacancy and disrepair, with a leaky roof that’s taken a severe toll on its integrity and appearance. Ainsley and Brendan Hayes moved in a decade ago. Following years of legal wrangling, they finally acquired it last winter and as soon as the weather broke, launched a restoration project with Ted Sihpol of New Canaan-based Renaissance Partners on the job as general contractor. This week, that restoration project is marking a major milestone with the installation of a new roof.