A New York-based developer has been chosen to build a $58 million, mixed-use project adjacent to CTfastrak in downtown New Britain.
POKO Partners LLC has submitted plans to redevelop 125 Columbus Boulevard, the 2.26-acre former site of the New Britain Police Department. Mayor Erin Stewart said the project will be a catalyst for reviving the Hardware City’s downtown.
A sales price will need to be negotiated if the project gains approval. The land is currently appraised at about $200,000. POKO’s submission will be recommended by the mayor to the Common Council for approval at the July 13 meeting.
“Columbus Commons” will be a two-phase, mixed-use development set to include the construction of two complementary L-shaped buildings framing an interior courtyard. “The buildings feature elements of active design, encouraging residents to move around the commons: to live, work and play in this revitalized corner of downtown New Britain,” said POKO’s Andrea Kretchmer.
The development components include:
- Two five-story “L-shaped” mixed-use buildings;
- A large “gateway” plaza between the two buildings;
- Retail, office space, and/or restaurant entrances on the first floor that will be accentuated by expansive windows and intimate, tree-shaded terraces;
- 168 apartment units in a 230,000 square-foot, mixed-use building;
- “Activity areas,” such as a large office/health care tenant space and a large day care center featuring an outside play area, accessible from an interior courtyard; and,
- Expansive use of green space.
POKO will be seeking funding for the development from several sources, including: the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Competitive Housing Assistance for Multiple Families Properties, Urban Act funds, and others.
The former police station was taken down over the last few months through funding from the state’s Office of Brownfields Remediation and the Department of Economic and Community Development.
