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Development Projects
In keeping with the times, the City of Norwich has a number of developments underway. While the list is not comprehensive, below is a brief description of the current status of many of the projects. For more information, please contact the Mayor's Office at 860-823-3742.
The Wauregan Hotel
In September 2000, the Norwich City Council named Becker & Becker Associates Inc developers of the vacant Wauregan Hotel. Plans call for a restaurant and retail stores on the first floor, with apartments on the upper stories. Both the interior and exterior will be restored to historical authenticity, and modern touches will enhance the look and feel to shoppers and apartment dwellers alike. The construction of this $16,000,000 project (funded privately) is expected to begin by the fall of 2002. In addition the City plans to construct a 200 car parking garage adjacent to the hotel. This garage will be used by the hotel, as well as the general public.
Occum Riverfront Park
This project involves reclaiming a former industrial site and turning it into a neighborhood park with riverfront access, a playground and more. Located in the neighborhood of Occum, this project is part of the City's target neighborhood initiative. Initial environmental studies have been completed, and the City is working with State agencies and the neighborhood, to develop the park. It is believed that the investment of a family-friendly park in this section of town will spur additional investment and community improvements.
Inter-modal Transportation Center
The City also has plans to construct a transportation center on a City-owned parking lot on Hollyhock Island. As visitor traffic continues to grow, this facility will provide much needed access into the area by bus, automobile, passenger rail, and possibly high-speed ferry. Planned improvements include 400-500 parking spaces, a SEAT bus terminal, accommodation for future passenger rail service, and a permanent dock for high-speed ferries. The City, State and federal governments have already pledged a total of $11,000,000 toward the project.
The Mercantile Exchange at Chelsea Harbor
The Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) is in the process of developing $18 Million retail / office complex in downtown Norwich. The 87,000 sq. foot structure will be six stories high on Water Street and will be leased by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Construction will begin in the summer of 2002 with completion slated for early Fall 2003.
Capehart Mill Renovation
In 2001, the City of Norwich entered into an agreement with Sentinel Enterprises, Inc. to renovate the former Capehart Mill complex in the neighborhood of Greeneville. The project will create 24 market rate apartments, and is expected to cost over $31 million, funded primarily through federal grants and private instruments.
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