The Milford Diner

The Blue Plate 

 

We're Over the Top

Milford, CT—Because of the outpouring of community donations and support, we are very pleased to announce that restoration of The Milford Diner will now begin.

A fundraiser held Sunday, January 24 at Daniel Street Café pulled in nearly $4,000 and that, combined with corporate and individual donations, keeps The Milford Diner Restoration Project on schedule for a Summer 2010 opening.

The Milford Diner is a city landmark.  Opening just after WWII, the diner operated continuously until just six years ago.

To keep The Milford Diner in its location, and to restore it, a group of local residents have come together to help save the diner and to put it back into use as a community and welcome center.

This project is a perfect representation of how historic preservation and economic development go hand-in-hand.  The Connecticut Post posited in a recent editorial that, once restored, “the iconic establishment will be a centerpiece for the neighborhood once again.”

Because of the generosity of SCB Restaurant, Stonebridge Restaurant, The RumRunners, The Connecticut Roller Girls, and our many other sponsors who donated their services and food for free, every dollar collected at the fundraiser will go directly to the restoration of The Milford Diner.
 

What is Happening at The Milford Diner?

A group of Milford residents are organizing a non-profit group whose purpose is to purchase and restore the historic Milford Diner.  With the agreement now in place, the Milford Diner group is working to raise funds to complete the purchase and to pay for the restoration.  Once restored, The Milford Diner will serve as a leading tourist, cultural and community center for all of Milford.

The Milford Diner is a 1946 Silk City Diner and is approximately 850 square feet and has been vacant for over six years.  The diner is a historically designated building and a well-known landmark in Milford.  The Milford Diner is being purchased and restored with the help of grants, fundraising and with the assistance of volunteers.  The Diner will be operational in June 2010.

The Milford Diner is a paid membership organization that will also host free/low cost cultural and family oriented events including movies, art exhibits and live music.  The Milford Diner will also be available for rent for small (under 40 people) gatherings and The Milford Diner will have products for sale.  Tourist information and information regarding Milford’s history, culture and events will be available and there will be well-trained staff available to provide information 6-days a week.

The Milford Diner will have quarterly fund raisers including art exhibits/auctions to raise revenue for the restoration and operations of The Milford Diner.  The staff will also secure preservation, cultural and economic development grants and funding from City, State and Federal agencies.

The Milford Diner is a non-political, inclusive and participatory organization that works with local businesses and community groups to help promote Milford’s diverse community.

"You eat what you're given.  That's democracy, man." 

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Our wonderful sponsors

The Milford Community has come together in support of our efforts.  We thank everyone for their continuing support, including

SmithCraft

ShopRite

Milford Preservation Trust

Milford Photo

The Salvatore Law Firm

Stonebridge Restaurant

New Standard Institute 

SBC Restaurant

The RumRunners

The Connecticut Roller Girls

and many others.  

Restoration of the Milford Diner

The Milford Diner is a 1946 Silk City Diner with an attached building that predates the Diner.  It has been empty for over 6-years and has been left in great disrepair.  Restored, The Milford Diner (the building) would sell for approximately $50,000 to $60,000.  There are two Silk City Diners’ on the National Historic Register. 

Because of its location, The Milford Diner is a known landmark in the City.

The Milford Diner, which was scheduled for demolition, has been purchased by The Milford Diner Group, a 501 ( c ) 3. from the owner. 

Purchase of Diner: The purchase of the Diner is near complete. (Just need a couple of more signatures!)

Restoration:  The cost for restoration of the Diner is estimated at $60,000. 

• Cleaning has been completed. 

• Engineering report completed. 

• Exterior work will be completed (or nearly completed) by the opening of June 1^st. 

• Landscaping work will begin (depending on weather and work conditions) in March.  Thanks to Steven Wing for donation of Tree for the Diner.
  

Funding for the restoration:

There will be several funding streams to underwrite the cost of the renovation.  We will depend on State and Federal grants to subsidize half the cost, with membership/donation making up nearly the remaining half.  Additional funding for restoration will be through direct contributions, additional fundraising, and through City redevelopment funds. 

Operation of The Milford Diner

The Milford Diner will operate year-round and be open 6 days a week.  There will 1 full-time employee and 3 to 4 volunteers (more volunteers will be added in the Summer months).