Adaptive reuse project transforms a long-dormant landmark into new apartments.
A former industrial complex in Meriden's North End has been redeveloped into an 82-unit mixed-income apartment community following a $56 million renovation project.
Boston-based Trinity Financial and state and local officials on Tuesday marked the completion of Tremont Flats, an adaptive reuse project that transformed the former Aeolian Co. complex at 85 Tremont St. into housing. Residents began moving into the development earlier this year, according to Trinity.
Originally built in 1887, the complex served as a manufacturing center for player pianos, organs and music rolls before being used for a variety of other industrial and commercial purposes. The redevelopment preserved the historic structure while converting it into apartments for residents across a range of income levels, including 14 units supported through the federal Section 811 program for people with disabilities, according to Trinity.
The project also included environmental remediation of the former brownfield site, including asbestos and lead paint abatement, soil cleanup and installation of indoor air-quality systems.
Funding came from a partnership that included the Connecticut Department of Housing, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, KeyBank, Eversource and Capital for Change.
The development features rooftop solar panels, energy-efficient building systems, electric vehicle charging stations, a fitness center and community gathering spaces. City officials said the project is part of a broader effort to revitalize Meriden's North End, which also includes approximately $2.5 million in upgrades to nearby parks and recreational facilities.
