“Build Westfield” in LEGO!
“Build Westfield,” a workshop where families recreate beloved buildings out of LEGO, will be held on Saturday, February 1, from 1 to 3 pm 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 periods.
Organized by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in collaboration with the Westfield Recreation Department, this is the third annual program designed to celebrate civic pride while fostering appreciation of Westfield’s rich historic and architectural heritage.
“Build Westfield” is conducted by Stephen Schwartz, AIA, of Building Blocks Workshop, who has over 15 years’ experience running architectural heritage programs for NJ communities. 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, homes, 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 $45 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. Online registration opens on December 30 at https://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.
