“To change or alter in form, appearance, or nature – especially to a higher form”: therein lies a brief but comprehensive definition of the process known as transmutation – and precisely what has been going on in what is now known as Hodges Square Village, a seemingly forgotten corner of New London.

Regarded too long as an “outlier colony” to the city’s more frequented neighborhoods, this recently declared state historic district a garden hose squirt from the Gold Star Memorial Bridge is becoming a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Greek mythology deems the Phoenix a magical bird that obtains new life from the ashes of its predecessor.

The “magic” being performed here is by the Hodges Square Village Association and its partner groups, all striving for a lofty but attainable goal: to resurrect and reconnect a dormant urban gem with the more prominent city neighborhoods. But to accomplish that, the gem that has long been buried needed to be unearthed again.

Thus, local citizens and their respective groups have mobilized eagerly in performing this transmutation.

“Our hope is that we will create a model that can be applied to other neighborhoods in New London,” said Art Costa, a community activist who serves as co-chair of the HSVA – and as president of the Thames Valley Sustainable Connections, a partner group in this ongoing urban development movement.

In 2012, Costa’s group and New London Landmarks joined forces to obtain a grant from the state to begin the process of bridging the “metropolitan gulf” between the main city districts of New London and its community offshoot that people too frequently skim by while en route either to the Coast Guard Academy (and Route 32) – or to Connecticut College and its beautiful Arboretum, an outdoor wonder in itself.

Rarely have residents from other neighborhoods or travelers made the Hodges Square complex a pointed destination, unless to dine at the vintage Mister G’s Restaurant — or for quick stops at the local package store and the always friendly Henny Penny.

Others stop for bargain rate photocopies at Copycats, which is right next door to what will soon be the absolute flower of a blossoming little village.

The new attraction in the works – the brainchild of HSVA, in accordance with its declared mission – is an alluring little park where residents and visitors alike may find refuge, a place of respite, passive recreation and simple comfort.

Costa, a soft-spoken community advocate of many years, professional in his demeanor, generates a vibrant passion as he graciously attributes this glowing movement on New London’s behalf to a wide range of businesses, residents, city leaders, and community organizations. Too many to list here, this devoted assembly of conscientious citizens and organizations can be obtained by visiting HSVA’s website: www.hodgessquare.com.

“It’s important that the Hodges Square Village Association becomes the focal point of this area’s historic status,” Costa explained. “Our village association evolved entirely from a team that has unified many different factions into a potent force on behalf of New London’s revitalization project.”

And at the heart of this transmutation of a dormant pulse in the city’s once fair district is the vision Costa and the team all share: a veritable flower that will draw flocks of visitors and restore beauty and pride to an “outlier hamlet” ready to reconnect with New London’s primary districts.

“We have a master plan, and this small patch of land that was once a gas station, covered with asphalt, has been made over completely,” Costa said.

Wood chips replaced the asphalt of the former gas station, while unkempt weedy areas were mowed and flowers planted in raised beds that were brought into the emerging park, along with custom made picnic tables and brick benches. Costa beamed like a proud parent of a new child as he recounted the ongoing additions to the ever-improving landscape.

“Much of it is still in development, but the Hodges Square Village Park is already free and open to the general public,” he added with a smile of satisfaction. “Anyone who wants to stop by and maybe read a book, or pick up something to eat from nearby restaurants, or even bring their own snacks … they’re welcome to do so. It’s there to serve as a quiet little haven from the day’s demands.”

Soft entertainment is also on the agenda for the Hodges Square Village Park.

“We’re planning on bringing in some laid-back entertainment like string instruments and flutes, outdoor poetry readings, dance exhibitions, and even dramatic readings done by local theater groups,” Costa explained. “We’re hoping these kinds of special little events will help attract not only local residents but will also encourage those from New London’s other neighborhoods into crossing over into the Hodges Square Village community and enjoying what is has to offer.”

With Hodges Square Village being little more than a half-mile from two colleges, Costa and the rest of the hard-working team involved in raising this budding Phoenix from its ashes hope it will serve now as a first stop. If so, the transmutation of gas station ruins into a park that will contain the look of a small patch of Eden will be everyone’s to explore and to enjoy.

INFORMATION

Website: www.hodgessquare.com

E-mail: ArtCosta@TVSCI.org

Phone: 860-460-3385