Mystic River Historical Society is asking for your help to save the 1835 Gothic Revival-style Downing Cottage. We, the undersigned, urge the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council to oppose the demolition of the house at 17 Gravel Street in Mystic (Groton), Connecticut, by the current owners. The historic house at 17 Gravel Street, built in 1835 and known locally as the Downing Cottage, is a contributing resource to the Mystic River National Register Historic District established in 1979. In the nomination author David Ransom wrote that, 

“The most spectacular line of houses in Mystic is that along the west side of Gravel Street, just north of the center, and facing the water. The view of this range of houses, taken from the Route 1 bridge over the river, is probably one of the most photographed scenes in New England…these eleven houses incorporate many of Mystic's best features. Several of the houses are five-bay, 1.5- story cottages. Several are two-story, three-bay, Greek Revival houses with the gable facing the street forming a pediment. To round out the variety there is a Downing cottage, an Italianate house, and a Second Empire house…Across the street from the houses there is a few feet of land between the street and the water that goes with the houses. This land is protected from the river by stone sea walls. The presence of the sea walls adds to the historic character of the vista.” 

The “Downing Cottage” is so called by the author because it reflects the Gothic Revival style of architecture popularized by internationally known architect Andrew Jackson Downing (1815-1852). The new owner proposes to demolish this 187-year-old residence and replace it with a false replica of the same building. The house at 17 Gravel Street property is also located in a Local Historic District which is overseen by a local commission. The Groton Historic District Commission approved demolition of the house and reconstruction of new buildings on the site at its March 15, 2022 meeting despite three members voting against approval of the application. 

Please sign this petition to help us save this irreplaceable piece of Mystic’s history! If you have sent in a letter or answered a survey question about this house, please sign here as well, so we can keep track of all of your support.