“Build Westfield” in LEGO
Westfield Historic Preservation Commission and Recreation Department Team Up for Family Workshop
“Build Westfield,” a workshop where families recreate iconic Westfield buildings out of LEGO, will be held on Saturday, February 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Cafeteria B of Westfield High School, 550 Dorian Road. Working from photographs, fifty teams are invited to build models of commercial, institutional, and residential buildings representing a variety of architectural styles, periods, and uses. Organized by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in collaboration with the Westfield Recreation Department, the program celebrates civic pride while fostering appreciation of Westfield’s rich historic and architectural heritage.
“We are delighted to join forces with the Recreation Department to present this fun, interactive program that encourages families to learn about a wide variety of buildings spanning three centuries of Westfield history,” said Jennifer Jaruzelski, HPC vice-chair. “After observing the level of energy this program generated in Montclair, we knew we had to bring it to Westfield and are grateful that another town entity was willing to help make it happen in its inaugural year.”
“Build Westfield” is conducted by Stephen Schwartz, AIA, of Building Blocks Workshop, who has over 15 years’ experience running architectural heritage programs for communities such as Princeton, Morristown and Summit. Participants will choose from among 55 photographs of notable historic structures to recreate within a two-hour timeframe using over 60,000 LEGO bricks, and then position them on a giant floor map of the town. A variety of familiar and lesser-known structures including schools, residences, houses of worship and municipal and downtown buildings will be selected on a first-come basis. Each family will take home an architectural “treasure map” describing all the historic buildings featured.
Registration for “Build Westfield” is $40 per team (up to four people including at least one adult) and is limited to 50 families. The program is ideal for ages 6 and up. Enrollment will open on January 4 at 10:00 a.m. at secure.rec1.com/NJ/westfield-nj/catalog. For additional information, contact Westfield Recreation at recreation@westfieldnj.gov or 908-789-4080.
Recognizing the cultural significance of Westfield’s rich historic and architectural heritage, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was established by municipal ordinance in December 1984. The HPC is charged with preserving historical sites and structures while fostering an appreciation for these landmarks as an essential element of the town’s unique character.
