1 BR condo in CT’s “spaceship’ building lists for 779k
Local uproar in the 1980s over what was deemed an ugly building garnered a New York Times feature.
someone new will get to call “The Spaceship” — one of the Connecticut shoreline’s most controversial buildings —home soon.
Unit #C at 446 Whitfield St. is a one-bedroom, two-bathroom condo located inside what many refer to as “The Spaceship,” thanks to its copper-clad circular exterior that sits on concrete stilts. It’s a name that “was at first derogatory and is now used with increasing affection,” according to a 2009 New York Times profile on the building.
The building is located in the bucolic town of Guilford and serves as a sharp contrast to the Colonial and Victorian-style homes that populate the area. But then again, it was designed to be that way.
In 1984, a local businessmen purchased the site, which previously held a restaurant named Berenice’s, hoping to develop the property into luxury condominiums. He asked architect Wilfred Armster to create something “really wild.” While the businessmen loved the unique design, the townspeople were horrified, claiming it wasn’t “Colonial” enough. They “packed” town halls and filed complaints, the New York Times reported.
Armster himself defended his creation at a town hall.
“I said something like: ‘I know you’re all Republicans and businessmen, and I know you think I’m a communist or a socialist. But it seems to me that you are objecting to this building because you don’t like the way it looks,’ ” the New York Times reported, noting that he didn’t believe that everything had to look a certain way. “Aren’t we free here?” he added.
His plan was soon approved, and construction began. Flash forward to the present day, and 1,672-square-foot Unit C is on the market for $779,000 (the HOA fee is $440 a month). Inside, sharp angles contrast the round exterior. Hardwood floors run throughout, and expansive windows allow natural light to stream in from every angle.
The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and white cabinetry. It leads into a dining area. Just a couple of steps down is the family room with views of Long Island Sound.
“The views are what make it so special,” said Susan Santoro of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, who has the listing.
Off the kitchen, a step-down space could function as an office or an additional bedroom. It’s adjacent to a full bathroom with a step-in shower and a washer/dryer area.
Upstairs in the primary bedroom, has the same views of the Sound and a wood-beamed ceiling. There’s a walk-in closet and a full bathroom — with views of its own — that has a tub and shower. A balcony off the primary provides a spot to watch the sunset.
The home’s downtown location is one of its greatest assets. A left turn takes you to the town marina, and there are also plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance. The town green is also nearby, as is public transit .
The unit comes with a two-car garage that’s deep enough to be a four-car tandem. Heat is gas, and the furnace, water heater, and central air were all replaced in 2023. The 13-unit building has city water.
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