100 Crown Street

In the hustling and bustling commercial district of Crown Street during its hay day, the New Haven Water Company stood prominent amongst the swath of commercial buildings in the Ninth Square Historic District. From the beginning, the New Haven Water Company building was a landmark, an establishment tied to the history of the city. Robinson must have known how important this building would be from the time it was commissioned, so he permanently etched "New Haven Water Company" into the façade and dated the building. Robinson's foresight about the integral role of 100 Crown in New Haven for the following decades is evident through the details he included for pedestrians. The ornate exterior is eye catching, with windows set in green rails and sashes, popping against the striking red brick and sandstone. The decorative details around the entryway almost seem too fancy for an office building.

100 Crown Street housed the New Haven Water Company, and other town water authorities, for almost 80 years. The New Haven Water Company watched over the city and the block as it changed with time. Compared to the businesses in the district, the New Haven Water Company was a seemingly permanent tenant. One and the same, the New Haven Water Company and 100 Crown Street were a constant in an environment where businesses and shops would come and go. The street was a revolving door of stores reflecting the changing need of consumers.

Once the New Haven Water Company left the confines of 100 Crown, the building melded into the landscape. With the relocation of the New Haven Water Company, 100 Crown Street became subject to the ever-evolving and modernizing environment of this commercial district. The building saw a myriad of tenants. 100 Crown housed firms, doctors' offices, recording studios and hair salons, submitting the building to countless tweaks in order to accommodate its latest tenant's needs.

Today, despite a few interior alterations, the building stands practically the same as it did in 1903. With the help of the architecture firm that moved into the second floor in 2004, and Alex Heonis in 2012, the building has been restored to reflect its historical grandeur and importance. Both Apicella and Bunton and the Heonises worked hard to preserve the architectural integrity of the building during the renovations and restorations required to aptly conduct their businesses.¹,² Appreciative of 100 Crown's architectural history and prowess, they highlighted its unique elements. In contrast to the newer buildings that now surround it, the building once again draws the eyes of pedestrians.