The 203 Project invites local designers and several local sponsors to take the DCA from house to home by giving interior and exterior spaces a “glow up” and
opening its doors to the wider community
The Darien Community Association (DCA) today announced The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse at the Darien Community Association presented by exclusive media partner CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens). Focused on the DCA’s values of community and sustainability, 13 local interior and landscape designers will collaborate to produce a breathtaking one-of-a-kind permanent showhouse in the heart of Darien.
Located at 274 Middlesex Road in Darien, CT the Showhouse will be open from Friday, March 21 until Sunday, March 24, 2024. The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse at the Darien Community Association will be featured editorially in the July/August issue of CTC&G and on cottagesgardens.com.
A beloved historical property in the heart of town, the Darien Community Association welcomes over 15,000 people through its doors every year. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, natural light glows within the estate’s spacious rooms, tall ceilings, large windows and beautiful wood floors, and throughout its eight acres of natural delight. Its rooms and halls are filled daily with members, friends, and neighbors.
“The vision for The 203 Project was to open our doors to our talented neighbors and friends and work collaboratively to reflect the heart and soul of our community in the DCA’s rooms and gardens - for all to enjoy,” said Erin Noonan, Executive Director for the Darien Community Association. “The Project has already exceeded all of our expectations. Local interior and landscape designers, artists and many generous sponsors, will transform the spaces and help reflect the beauty and legacy of the DCA through design and sustainability.”
Each designer was selected for their talent and dedication to the Darien community as well as their commitment to honor the legacy of the house and leverage sustainable design by including one or more projects from the existing home.
The featured designers and landscapers announced today are (as of February 6):
Alicia Sands Tiberio of Dorset and Pond, Riverside
Carey Karlan of Last Detail Interior Design, Darien
Fiona Leonard Interiors, Darien
JG O'Neil Designs, Darien
Karen Bow Interiors, Darien
Kelly Interiors, Darien
Krista Fox Interiors, Darien
Matteson Landscape Architecture, Southport
Nielsen’s Florist, Darien
Prudence Home and Design, New Canaan
Sarina Galu Interiors, Darien
William Lyon Designs, Norwalk
The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse at the Darien Community Association is presented by exclusive media partner CTC&G and supported through the generosity of both local and corporate sponsors including (as of February 6):
A Little Something White Bridal Boutique
Alchemy Celebrations
Atria Darien
BMW of Darien
Darien Carpet
Darien Sport Shop
David Harvey Jewelers
Diane Browne Catering
Farrow & Ball
Michael Joseph’s Catering
Navesink Wealth Management
Nielsen’s Florist and Garden Shop
OKA
Palmer’s Market
Ring’s End
The Gardener’s Center and Florist
Tile America
Visual Comfort & Co.
“There’s nothing like the Meadowlands estate with its huge light-filled rooms, impeccable design, award-winning gardens and historical touches for weddings and private events,” said Susan Graham, Private Event Manager for the Meadowlands at the DCA. “The 203 Project takes everything that is already stunning about the Darien Community Association and makes the property and our community glow so we can welcome many happy events into the future.”
The 203 Project will celebrate its grand opening on March 21, 2024 with a special preview party from 6:00-9:00 pm. Public house tours begin Friday, March 22, 2024 and run through Sunday, March 24, 2024 at select times.
Tickets for opening night, house tours, and special events are available at dariendca.org. All proceeds from the Showhouse will benefit the Darien Community Association, a privately-funded nonprofit, and the DCA Scholarship program. The DCA Scholarship program offers need-based scholarships to Darien High School students.
To learn more, visit dariendca.org.