Residential Remodeling and Restoration
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Team:
Owner
Leland Torrence
Leland Torrence is a woodworker by trade. He apprenticed in Vermont and California before starting his own wood shop and restoration company in the late seventies. In the eighties, he and his craftsmen restored 23 turn of the century historic houses in the Fair Haven river section of New Haven. In this time over 200,000 SF of historically vernacular wood frame construction was constructed.
In the nineties he had focused his attention on consulting and construction management, most often working in the capacity of an owner's representative. In the last ten years the company has focused on long term planning, new construction, restoration, and the adaptability/utility of existing structures.
A primary focus of Leland Torrence Enterprises is to prolong a buildings replacement period by extending its usefulness and maximizing its efficiency.
In 1995 Leland founded THE GUILD of Fine Craftsmen and Artisans for the purpose of developing and promoting good building techniques and the preservation of specialty skills in the building trades.
Education
Williams College
Bachelor of Arts, MA Pre Architecture Program with minor in Economics and Philosophy.
Activities & Affiliations (Past & Present)
A.I.A., Affiliate Member and Education Committee, B.O.C.A., N.F.P.A., New Haven Preservation Trust, Board Member, New Haven Colony Historical Society, Board Member, Roof Consultants Institute, D.S.N.A., Connecticut Trust for Preservation, Building Committee, National Trust for Historic Preservation, International Brick Association, Friends of Terra Cotta, Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, Preservation Trades Network, Executive Committee, U.S. Heritage Masons, Consultant, Certified Kiemfarben GmBH for product application and specification, Restoration Trades Exchange, Advisory Board, Association of Preservation Technology, NE, Town of Woodbridge Planning and Zoning, Conservation Commission, and Department of Public Works Building Committee.
Awards
2023 Award of Appreciation – Spring Fling Gala, St Martin de Pores Academy
2018 Living Treasure Award – Town of Woodbridge
2017 Award of Excellence – Ronald McDonald House of CT for new construction at 860 Howard Ave, New Haven, CT
2015 Distinguished Alumni Award – The Foote School
2013 BSA Design Award – The Foote School Science and Technology Building, Maryann Thompson Architects
1996 Certificate of Recognition from The New Haven Preservation Trust for furthering the goals of historic preservation with the sensitive preservation of three neighboring nineteenth century buildings: 220 College Street (1880 Federal), 228 College St. (1870 Italianate) and 230 College St. (1876 High Victorian Gothic).
Project Manager:
Leland Torrence Jr.
Leland Jr. has been immersed in the world of carpentry since childhood, growing up in a family business where woodworking was a way of life. From the moment he received his first tool belt at the age of three, he knew he was destined to follow in his father's footsteps. Through years of hands-on experience and guidance from seasoned professionals, Leland Jr. has honed his woodworking skills to mastery.
After completing a rigorous apprenticeship with WJ Evans and pursuing numerous craftsmanship courses, Leland Jr. has emerged as a skilled lead carpenter and site supervisor. Specializing in fine woodworking, his expertise encompasses trim work, cabinetry, and restorations. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence, Leland Jr. strives to deliver impeccable quality in every project he undertakes.
site Supervisor:
Pawel Stepien
Pawel Stepien, originally from Poland, came to the US in 2005 with a passion for carpentry and craftsmanship. Since then, he's established himself as a respected lead carpenter and site supervisor known for his attention to detail and dedication to excellence. Pawel's hands-on approach and leadership skills have made him a go-to professional in the construction industry. With a commitment to ongoing learning and a proactive mindset, Pawel ensures that every project he's involved in is executed to the highest standards.
Master Carpenter
William Evans
A master carpenter and wood worker, Billy has worked with LTE since 1989.
He assists with project logistics, specialty restoration and mentoring our
tradesmen. Billy, along with Steve King, Paul Marlowe, Lori Volger and
Fritz Wanner were original board members for The Guild of Fine Craftsmen and Artisans. He is the sole proprietor of Evans Construction and was previously a partner in E&W Construction. LTE and E&W Construction restored 18 historic buildings in the Downtown New Haven Entertainment District now owned by Yale University. Billy is a proficient wood carver and maintains an extensive collection of William and Hussey custom cutters for matching local and Connecticut wide moldings.
Carpenter
Ryan Zitnay
Ryan, inspired by his father's career in construction, embarked on a path that mirrored his passion from a young age. His curiosity for architecture, machinery, and electronics led him to constantly dismantle, fix, and learn about the inner workings of various machines and equipment.
After completing a business degree from SCSU in 2017, Ryan brought his unique blend of skills and knowledge to LTE. Today, he serves as a trim carpenter and project coordinator, seamlessly integrating his technical expertise and creative flair into his work.
House Agent
Michael Ulrich
A lifetime student of design, Mike currently works in historic building preservation, real estate and large scale sign painting. Development, according to Mike, should always coexist with preservation. The value and privilege in getting to work with Leland Torrence Enterprises is twofold- A: I work at a new historic site every month or so and learn about it through our labor and B: We are surrounded by a strong team of mentors and get to meet more at each job.