L-R: Kathy Poirier, Kathy Poirier Architects, LLC; Kailee Scales, Carver Chief Advancement Officer; Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk); Norwalk Mayor Barbara Smyth; Lefa DeJesus, Building Construction Specialist 1, DECD; Carver CEO Novelette Peterkin; Carver Board President Phil Butterfield; and James LaRosa of LaRosa Construction.
On Thursday, January 22, The Carver celebrated a powerful moment in its history: the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II renovations at the Carver Community Center, originally constructed in 1975 and a cornerstone of opportunity in Norwalk for five decades.
The morning began with an indoor program filled with gratitude, reflection, and vision. Community members, volunteers, board leaders, and elected officials gathered to mark the next chapter for a building that has served generations of Norwalk youth and families. At noon, attendees moved outdoors for the ceremonial groundbreaking, sledgehammers in hand, standing on the very ground where Carver's future is taking shape.
We were honored to welcome Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), whose leadership in 2024 secured $3.5 million in state funding to make these renovations possible. His commitment ensures that the Carver Community Center will be expanded, modernized, and fully ADA-accessible, with critical security upgrades to better protect students, families, and staff.
“I am beyond thrilled to announce the Carver Center will soon start Phase II of these renovations,” said Senator Duff. “The Carver provides many critical services and educational opportunities for Norwalk children. With these renovations, the center will be able to continue its great work for the next generation of Norwalkers.”
Mayor Barbara Smyth, CEO Novelette Perkins, members of The Carver Board of Directors, and numerous community partners, such as James LaRosa of LaRosa Construction, stood together in celebration of the continuity that this moment represents. Not simply upgrades, but major investments in young people.
The future Carver Community Center—Phase II renovations will expand access, strengthen safety, and modernize interior spaces. These improvements will be followed by major exterior renovations, as depicted here, completing the full transformation of this historic community landmark.
Phase II renovations will expand the center’s capacity, enhance ADA accessibility to ensure inclusion for all, and strengthen security systems to create a safer, more welcoming environment. These improvements reflect The Carver’s commitment to equipping all learners for global competitiveness by leading strategic partnerships that advance excellence and opportunity.
For 50 years, the Carver Community Center has been a place where children discover their potential, families find support, and community takes root.
We are grateful to Senator Duff and our state and local leaders for believing in The Carver’s mission and investing in its future. The work we do inside these walls—serving thousands of students across Norwalk—depends on strong, safe, accessible spaces where learning and growth can thrive.
News 12 Connecticut covered the event with a video feature, “Norwalk Carver Community Center holds ceremony for 2nd phase of renovations.” You can view the segment here.
The next chapter of Carver begins now, and we are just getting started.