Middlebury College to Restore Historic Painter House
Middlebury College is restoring the home of its founder, Gamaliel Painter, who built Painter House in 1802—two years after founding the College. The historic landmark overlooking the town green will be transformed into two residences for parents and alumni.
The College is partnering with the Thatcher Group, a historic preservation firm that has restored architecturally significant homes in Nantucket, Paris, and dozens of other locations around the world. The project preserves the historic character of Painter House while converting it into two modern residences: a two-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath home and a larger four-bedroom, four-bath property. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
“Painter House has been part of Middlebury’s story for more than two centuries,” said David Provost, executive vice president for finance and administration and treasurer. “Restoring the building allows us to preserve an important historic property while creating new opportunities for alumni and families to gather and remain connected to the life of the College.”
Built on what was then Merchants Row, the Georgian-plan house at 2 Court Street features early Federal-style detailing and served as a model for the town’s grand residences in the early 19th century. It includes “a rare roof monitor with an almost flat roof deck from which Painter watched over his village,” according to the Society of Architectural Historians.
In the 1880s and 1920s, the interior was remodeled in line with Victorian and Colonial Revival preferences. More recent restorations have maintained the 1920s appearance, “leaving each layer of its history evident,” the society writes.
Painter House has recently served as home to the Office of Communications and Marketing, faculty, and Beyond the Page. The renovation reflects the College’s broader effort to revitalize historic buildings for the benefit of the campus and local community. Interior updates will include a living room, the Walking Cane Bar, a library, a wine cellar, and an exercise and yoga studio. Wherever possible, historical elements of the exterior will be preserved, ensuring the property continues to reflect the legacy of both the campus and the town.
“Middlebury College is taking a forward-thinking, leadership role in adopting this model of restoring underutilized historic campus structures into income-producing properties for the College, while enabling deeper engagement among parents and alumni,” said Mitch Willey, founder of the Thatcher Group.