It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mill Hill Historic Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Norwalk, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia,”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield”
“Excellent!”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will continue to reach out to them first any time I have care needs. Not only was my caregiver great, but the service and care I got from Alan was above and beyond. He is so responsive, invested and attentive - feel like I’m working with a friend/family. They really care about their care recipients and make you feel like a VIP. The caregiver we were assigned was not only sweet and warm, but she wouldn’t sit still and made sure she was always doing something helpful. Couldn’t be happier with the company or caregiver, and will work with them anytime the need arises.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages changes and last minute needs as though our family member is his family. He is also there in person to make sure everything is going smoothly.”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide is amazing as well. Thank you ABC for providing exceptional service!!”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us with childcare and she went above and beyond caring for our son permitting us to focus at work!”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia, we burned through multiple agencies and aides. Only at the end did we find unmatched compassion and competence with Alan and his team of aides at Always Best Care. A lot of times the whole experience felt overwhelming, disjointed and end of life care system just plain broken. They were the one shining bright spot. Our family would recommend them in the highest order.”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care givers for my mom in her final months were gracious, considerate, compassionate and professional. I spoke with Alan many times telling him how thankful i was to have him and the outstanding service his company provided to my mother. My highest recommendation to Alan and his staff at Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on her feet again after hip surgery and to be her companion for three weeks during Covid quarantine as she moved from rehab center back to her senior living apartment. All services were provided with the highest level of kindness, compassion and dignity and we are truly grateful for the help.”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable assisted living place for my Mom. She presented an array of good choices, gave me some very good advice about things to look for when I checked them out, responded quickly and completely to every question I had, and did all of this in the hurry done urgent circumstances required. No hard sell, just good knowledgeable work.”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield County. If you know a loved one in need of care, please visit our website or call us anytime for a free no-obligation expert consultation.”
“Excellent!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Oyster Shell Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Washington Prime or visit Battle of the Rocks Monument, Norwalk, CT 06851, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Norwalk, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Norwalk, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Norwalk, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Over 20 years in the making, the Real ID deadline is only two weeks away on May 7, and Connecticut’s Department of Motor Vehicles is offering extra appointments for people who still need to switch their driver's license.“To better serve our residents, we will be offering appo...
Over 20 years in the making, the Real ID deadline is only two weeks away on May 7, and Connecticut’s Department of Motor Vehicles is offering extra appointments for people who still need to switch their driver's license.
“To better serve our residents, we will be offering appointments on select Mondays until May 5, 2025, for individuals specifically looking to obtain a Real ID,” said Shaun Formica, state DMV spokesperson. “Appointments are added in real time. Residents can visit 'Make or change DMV appointment | CT.gov' to schedule their appointment.”
Connecticut began offering Real IDs in October 2011. To get a Real ID card you need two forms of identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, two pieces of mail from the last 90 days and a scheduled appointment. The DMV appointments can be made online.
AAA is also taking appointments at its locations in Avon, Cromwell, Danbury, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Manchester, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, Southington, Waterford and West Hartford.
“We’re thrilled that our partnership with the state of Connecticut has gotten off to such a successful start and allows us to provide valuable services to the community,” said John Galvin, President and CEO of AAA Northeast. “As the Real ID deadline approaches, this partnership allows us to provide the public with numerous options when scheduling an appointment.”
AAA membership is not required to obtain the following services:
After several delays, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security set a final deadline for when adult travelers will need to have a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings to May 7, 2025. However the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s final rule allows for some flexibility, according to a statement released by the TSA in January.
The Real ID Act, which establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, was first passed in 2005 in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Real IDs are marked by a star in the corner of the card, though the designs of each state’s ID differ. In Connecticut, the white star is outlined in a yellow circle and sits in the top right-hand corner. If you have received or renewed a driver’s license or ID in the past five years, you were likely issued a Real ID.
Previously, the Real ID deadline was set for May 3, 2023, but it was pushed back to 2025 to “give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a Real ID-compliant license or identification card,” said the former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas in a statement.
U.S. passports can also be used to board domestic flights if a Real ID cannot be obtain in time. Real IDs cannot be used for international flights. You can still book flights without a Real ID but you will not be allowed to board with out a Real ID or Passport.
To get a Real ID you need a passport, passport card or U.S. birth certificate, or proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens. Then you need another form of identification which includes a social security card, state issued driver’s license, learner’s permit, photo ID card, a certified school transcript and other forms which are listed on the state’s website.
Whether renewing or getting your first ID there are some costs. Its $72 to renew a license; to get a Real ID star on a license that’s not about to expire is $30.
A popular child-friendly playhouse in Fairfield will soon open a new location at the mall, featuring a café and more for adults to enjoy.RJ Scofield, Patch StaffNORWALK, CT — A popular child-friendly playhouse plans to open its next location this year at the SoNo Collection mall in Norwalk.Playhouse Fairfield, a jungle-themed indoor playground and party venue for kids with a cozy parent-friendly café,...
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
NORWALK, CT — A popular child-friendly playhouse plans to open its next location this year at the SoNo Collection mall in Norwalk.
Playhouse Fairfield, a jungle-themed indoor playground and party venue for kids with a cozy parent-friendly café, will open a second location in the former CAMP space on the mall's third floor early this summer.
According to a Playhouse spokesperson, the larger Norwalk location will feature many similar touches as the Fairfield space, including ball pits, slides and climbers.
Unique to the mall location will be a dedicated toddler room, which will be more sprawling and offer more playground equipment for the somewhat older age group to enjoy.
"The toddler room is a place where little ones can play on toddler-specific equipment and the parents can hang out in a special area," a spokesperson said to Patch.
The toddler room can be rented out privately for parties, as can a number of other party spaces at the new SoNo playhouse.
The Norwalk space will also feature an onsite café by New York City bakery AnnTremet Cake, which will offer a wide variety of coffee, tea, pastries and more, as well as kid-friendly snacks.
With the opening of the mall location, the Playhouse team aims to create a space that is fun for the whole family, including small children, but also comfortable for adults.
"Adults can expect comfortability," the spokesperson said. "They can expect nice, soft couches. It's not plastic, it's clean and whimsical. They can expect to be enchanted and comfortable and relax while their kids are safe and enjoying the soft play."
The playhouse will offer a wide range of memberships similar to the Fairfield location, including weekly and family memberships.
"There's a lot of different options for families that think they're going to be coming a lot or just want to be able to pop in at any time," the spokesperson said, "but drop-in is also available as well."
The playhouse will also open earlier than the rest of the mall, which currently opens at 11 a.m. most weekdays and 10 a.m. on Fridays and weekends.
The Norwalk playhouse will open seven days a week at 9 a.m. and be accessible from a dedicated parking area on the roof of the mall, between Pinstripes and Nordstroms, according to the Playhouse team.
Much like the Fairfield space, the Playhouse team hopes the Norwalk location can become a community plaza that encourages socializing for both kids and adults.
"We hope that families feel like it's a really special destination," the spokesperson said.
A reopening date has been set for a museum in Norwalk after a two-year closure, featuring a number of upgrades and newly restored spaces.RJ Scofield, Patch StaffNORWALK, CT — Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is set to reopen in Norwalk following a two-year closure, featuring a number of upgrades and newly restored spaces.According to a news release provided by the museum, the reopening will celebrate the completion ...
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
NORWALK, CT — Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is set to reopen in Norwalk following a two-year closure, featuring a number of upgrades and newly restored spaces.
According to a news release provided by the museum, the reopening will celebrate the completion of a master mechanical plan by David Scott Parker Architects.
The museum's buildings will reopen to the public June 4 at noon, which will be preceded by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour May 27 at 10 a.m., according to LMMM.
According to LMMM, the mansion will feature restored spaces and artifacts that will re-envision the visitor experience while bringing an iconic, 19th-century National Historic Landmark into the 21st century with new systems and technology.
The project was led by LMMM Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Building Committee Chair Patsy Brescia and supported and championed by Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Mayor Harry Rilling, the city of Norwalk and its Common Council, the Norwalk Historical Commission and the state Department of Economic and Community Development.
"The board and I are truly grateful for the extraordinary support we received from the city of Norwalk and the state of Connecticut," Brescia said in a news release, "for this major mechanical upgrade that will enhance and protect this cherished heritage destination now open to visitors year-round."
LMMM also noted an exciting discovery happened at the tail end of the lengthy construction project as Brescia was diligently going through a punch list with the construction company, Consigli.
Hidden under a bookshelf, in what is believed to have been the mansion's servants' dining hall during the 19th century, Brescia found a rare cast-iron Beebe stove, dated 1867, by the renowned New York firm of Janes, Fowler, Kirtland Co., a company also known to have built the capitol's iron dome in Washington D.C., according to LMMM.
Many rooms have been enhanced, built or transformed including new state-of-the-art archival spaces and an educational center in the basement. The gift shop and the rotunda will show substantial changes, among other areas of the mansion, according to LMMM.
"Now that this historic building has been re-envisioned," Chairman of the Board Douglas Hempstead said in a news release, "we will see an expansion of its community use while the safety of the building, as well as our visitors, will be secured."
The museum will also feature breathtaking front doors restored to their original Lockwood era appearance by Urban Aesthetics, allowing the mansion's historic entrance to reclaim its earliest splendor with generous support from Trustee Miklos Koleszar, his wife Dr. Michele Koleszar and the state's Historic Preservation Office, according to LMMM.
A statue by renowned 19th-century artist Randolph Rogers depicting two of the Lockwood's children and its Herter Brothers base also received noticeable makeovers along with the historic lighting fixtures in the entrance of the mansion, according to LMMM.
The 2025 season will also feature several new exhibitions, concerts, community events and educational tours of the newly enhanced museum.
"I am honored and excited to be part of a year-long celebration for the reopening of this extraordinary building," Executive Director Susan Gilgore said in a news release, "and very grateful to the city and state, as well as our members, volunteers, donors and colleagues who helped us through the building's two-year closure."
More information is available at www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.
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Months after its sale at a steep discount, a Norwalk office building is slated to become apartments not far from a new Wegmans grocery opening this summer this July.Built in 1988, the office building at 535 Connecticut Ave. has 170,000 square feet of space, making it the second largest on Norwalk's western corridor after 800 Connecticut Ave., according to an appraisal document. The...
Months after its sale at a steep discount, a Norwalk office building is slated to become apartments not far from a new Wegmans grocery opening this summer this July.
Built in 1988, the office building at 535 Connecticut Ave. has 170,000 square feet of space, making it the second largest on Norwalk's western corridor after 800 Connecticut Ave., according to an appraisal document. The building is perched on less than two acres of land above Interstate 95 in Norwalk, about a half-mile east of the new Wegmans nearing completion just off Connecticut Avenue.
Greenwich-based Hanover Real Estate sold 535 Connecticut Ave. last year to Bow-Tie Partners for just under $6 million, about 35% of what it had bought the building for in 2018.
Bow-Tie, a New York City real estate company and onetime cinema operator in Connecticut, has prior experience with a Connecticut office conversion with the Temple Square apartments in New Haven, the historic headquarters of the United Illuminating Co. subsidiary of Orange-based Avangrid.
A Bow-Tie executive did not respond to CT Insider Thursday for comment or details on the project.
As of last October, the 535 Connecticut Ave. building was about 30% leased according to a tax litigation document filed in Connecticut Superior Court, with annual revenue at $1.3 million but that's projected to fall as leases for eight tenants hit their expiration dates. The 535 Connecticut Ave. building had a major lease roll off the books in 2023, after tenant Crius Energy had moved its headquarters to Texas while still on the hook for 45,000 square feet of space.
An external appraiser had noted the potential for a conversion of 535 Connecticut Ave. to apartments or self-storage, in a court document filed last fall as part of a tax dispute with the city of Norwalk. This week, the commercial real estate broker JLL reported the building will become apartments.
If Bow-Tie pushes ahead with a redevelopment of 535 Connecticut Ave., it would join a list of area office knockdowns or conversions to residential that include Thorndal Circle in Darien and the Commonfund headquarters in Wilton. The Connecticut General Assembly is considering legislation this spring that would create tax credits for developers that convert under-utilized commercial buildings to apartments.
Just over 600 apartments were available in Norwalk as of Thursday on Apartments.com. Along the Connecticut Avenue corridor, rents ranged from $1,425 for a one-bedroom at the Oak Grove Apartments on West Cedar Street which are offered for people with limited incomes; to $2,900 for a rental in the Mallard's Landing condominiums at 97 Richards Ave., the largest residential complex along Connecticut Avenue at 245,000 square feet.
Connecticut Avenue has not seen the same level of residential developer interest as other parts of Norwalk in the past decade, despite a continuing burgeoning of retail construction, including Wegmans and the nearby SoNo Collection mall which opened in 2019 in South Norwalk.
The Stonefield opened in 2016 at 587 Connecticut Ave., followed by The Overlook apartments in 2022 at 71 Connecticut Ave. Neither building listed available units as of Thursday on Apartments.com. The city of Norwalk has also moved ahead with an expansion of the Colonial Village apartments which like Oak Grove are offered at below-market rates to applicants who qualify based on income limits.
Includes prior reporting by Mollie Hersh and Katherine Lutge.
Rankings website Niche.com just published its 2025 list of the "best places to live in Connecticut" and Norwalk made the grade.RJ Scofield, Patch StaffNORWALK, CT — Norwalk was named one of the best places to live in Connecticut in the latest set of rankings released by Niche on Monday.Now in its 11th year, the ...
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
NORWALK, CT — Norwalk was named one of the best places to live in Connecticut in the latest set of rankings released by Niche on Monday.
Now in its 11th year, the ranking from the data-driven platform Niche helps everyone from young people just starting their careers or families to retirees decide where they want to live.
The report analyzes places of various sizes, including cities with populations of 100,000 or more, suburbs and neighborhoods.
Overall, Norwalk ranked 84th on the list. The city's overall Niche grade was listed as "A-" and it also received an "A" level grade for its nightlife, diversity, commute, health and fitness, outdoor activities and being good for families. More information on Norwalk is available here.
See also: The Top 100 Places To Live In Connecticut: 2025 Rankings
West Hartford was once again named the best place to live in Connecticut, according to the list.
West Hartford's public schools, family friendliness, and devotion to health and fitness each received an "A+" on the Niche report card. The Top 100 Connecticut towns in Niche's 2025 rankings are listed below.
The rankings are based on a wide range of public data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, combined with millions of resident reviews.
Niche said it analyzed thousands of communities to compile this year’s ranking. Community attributes considered in developing the list included the health of the local housing market, neighborhood diversity, area public schools and walkability, among others. (More on methodology.)
According to the ranking, the five best places to live in the United States are: Colonial Village, VA; Atlantic Station, GA; Chesterbrook, PA; Harbour Island, FL; City Center, CA.
The full list of the top 100 place to live in Connecticut for 2025 can be viewed here.
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