In 2006, Latitude Design Services was asked to provide conceptual drawings for restoration of the existing Rosa Ponselle Garden at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center (ACCC) in Meriden, CT. The ACCC is a non-profit organization “dedicated to the cultivation and exploration of diverse avenues of culture, the arts, humanities and sciences in the Connecticut community.” Rosa Ponselle was a highly regarded opera singer who was born in Meriden, and was the first American born singer to perform at the Met without any formal training. The ACCC was given a state grant for improvements to the Center, and the committee agreed that part of the funds should be used to restore the memorial. Working with Latitude Design Services, the committee voted on a final concept that would serve both as a memorial to Rosa Ponselle and also as a useable space for some of the artists that the Cultural Center promotes and supports. Latitude Design Services provided conceptual drawings for committee review and public support, construction document preparation, contract negotiations and construction administration. Additionally, LDS and many local residents volunteered time and labor to help in the construction, greatly reducing the cost of the project and allowing for more elements within the strict budget. The newly constructed Rosa Ponselle Memorial Garden was dedicated in May of 2008.
Recognitions:
Official Citation, City of Meriden, May 29th, 2008
‘To: Chris Hoff of Latitude Design Services, in recognition of his going above and beyond to implement and complete the Rosa Ponselle Memorial Garden for the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center and proclaim May 30th, 2008 “Chris Hoff Day”.’
Official Citation, State of Connecticut General Assembly, May 29th, 2008
‘To: Chris Hoff in recognition of your outstanding dedication and craftsmanship in the construction of the Rosa Ponselle Memorial Garden. You were instrumental in the creation of this “New Gem” in the Heart of Meriden as you saw a vision realized under you keen architectural skills and landscaping aptitude’
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