Macricostas Match Challenge
Over the past few years, Steep Rock has been restoring the historic Isaac Camp House at Macricostas Preserve to serve as our visitor center, host education programs, and house our museum. Now that the exterior is complete, we’re moving forward with extensive interior renovations–electrical, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, drywall, and painting–before we can open it to the public.
Our aim is to open the Camp House in the spring 2025, coinciding with Steep Rock’s 100th anniversary.
To help complete the construction of the Camp House, the Macricostas Family has announced a generous 2:1 match challenge. For every dollar donated to an education fund for programs and exhibits at the Camp House, the Macricostas Family will contribute $2 toward the total construction costs to complete the restoration, up to $250,000. This means your donation will go three times as far in bringing this historic building to life as a vibrant community hub for conservation education and natural history period.
So, what’s the next step? It’s simple period. Join us in this exciting match challenge. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to unlocking the full potential of this match challenge.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community!
Isaac Camp House Transformation
About The Isaac Camp House
Have you noticed the recent transformation of the red Isaac Camp House (ca 1757) at the entrance to Macricostas Preserve? Over the past few years, Steep Rock has undertaken a major restoration of the historic colonial, which is among the oldest structures in the Town of Washington, second only to Cogswell Tavern. Local lore claims that General Washington passed by the house on at least two occasions when Christian Street was the main carriage road to Litchfield.
Initially funded by an incredibly generous $500,000 gift from the Macricostas Family Foundation, this adaptive reuse project reimagines the 267-year-old residence as a vibrant resource for our entire community. As part of the Steep Rock Campus at Macricostas Preserve, the Camp House will be the center for conservation education, school programs, events, and volunteer training. In addition, museum exhibits will showcase Steep Rock’s organizational history, the natural history of our preserves, and revolving exhibits.
The restoration is led by a team of Steep Rock Trustees—architect Reese Owens, project manager Eliot Johnson, historian Steve Solley, contractor Don Wyant—and other trustees and staff, in consultation with Constantine (Deno) and George Macricostas. George, who has a deep fondness for the house, occasionally stayed there during his hunting trips and walked the surrounding fields and mountain.
“The house radiates authentic historical character, from the basement to the attic, and it’s nestled in what truly feels like God’s country,” George Macricostas remarked. “It’s been a joy to contribute to this restoration, helping return the house to its former glory, and we’re very pleased with the progress Steep Rock has made.”
The team has made a painstaking effort to retain the essence of the original saltbox, requiring repair of the foundation all the way up to replacing the roof and chimneys. The rear wing additions, not original to the house, were removed and replaced with a cathedral “barn room” that will serve as beautiful program space. We are very excited about the community opportunities about to become available.
Your support will help bring to life educational programs and exhibits at the restored Camp House, enriching our community’s connection with the natural world around us. >donate
Get in touch
Have any questions about this project? Or history to share with us? Let us know. We’d love to hear from you.