A developer has revised plans for a mixed-use project in Norwalk’s Wall Street area, increasing the size of a proposed hotel while reducing ground-floor retail space.
IJ Group LLC, controlled by developer Jason Milligan of New Canaan, this week filed updated plans with the city’s Planning & Zoning Department for a project surrounding an existing five-story office building at 24 Belden Ave.
The revised proposal calls for a 115-room hotel, up from 99 rooms approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission in June 2025. The developer is also seeking to reduce ground-floor retail space to 7,500 square feet from 30,000 square feet.
According to application materials, the changes were made in response to concerns raised by the city’s Traffic, Mobility & Parking Department. Other revisions include adding 50 to 60 parking spaces and creating a hotel entrance on Burnell Avenue.
The broader development plan, approved last year, includes a 102-unit apartment building and hotel flanking the existing office structure.
IJ Group said it acknowledged the city’s concerns when the project was initially approved but sought approval at that time to secure financing, line up a hotel operator and brand, and advance conceptual plans into construction drawings.
The developer has since partnered with Hilton to operate the hotel under the Hampton Inn brand and has secured financing for the apartment building, which is now under construction.
Milligan, owner of Milligan Realty, owns about 40 commercial properties in the Wall Street area. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The project is part of Milligan’s broader effort to revitalize downtown Norwalk. In September 2024, he received city approval to build a 210-room extended-stay hotel on Isaacs Street.
