In the historically-rich city of Norwich, CT, we cherish the significance and aesthetic value of our historic buildings. The West Town Street School (later known as "The Grange") built in 1866, stands as a testament to the early commitment to public education for the children of mill workers in our town. In its later years, the building served the Norwich Grange. The Grange was instrumental in supporting rural families, providing agricultural education, serving as a location for social gatherings and activities, and encouraged advocacy for fair public policies. For decades, this building served as a gathering place for civic action, education, and local leadership.

This building is more than just bricks and mortar; it is an important reminder of our community's heritage, representing the cultural and historical essence of Norwichtown. Its demolition would be an irrevocable loss to the identity and character of our town.

Dunkin's plan to turn this historic site into a drive-through restaurant dismisses the building's historical value and overlooks the significance it holds for our community. While development is important, it should not come at the cost of erasing our past.

In other parts of the country, successful examples exist where companies have integrated historic preservation into development plans. Dunkin' has the opportunity to lead by example and develop a plan that both respects and incorporates our historic architecture while still serving the community's needs, or to chose a non-historic location in the same part of town to utilize for their business.

We urge Dunkin’ to choose a path of corporate leadership and community engagement, and to demonstrate that it values the trust and goodwill of the people it serves. Demolishing the West Town Street School will be seen not as progress, but as a failure to honor shared history and respond to legitimate public concern.

Instead, we ask Dunkin’ to:
1. Cease demolition plans immediately and commit to preserving the historic structure.
2. Pursue a more appropriate and logistically viable site nearby that meets your commercial needs without causing harm to the neighborhood.
3. Work with community members and preservation experts to explore adaptive reuse options for the building, potentially even incorporating your business within the restored historic footprint.

Join us in advocating for the preservation of the West Town Street School and Norwich Grange building! Your support is critical in ensuring this piece of history is not permanently lost. Stand with us to protect our historic buildings and the aesthetic of our town!