Fairfield is in a stage of new development. Much of the town is continuing to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, our top quality schools are working on improvements of their own, the area is being made more senior-citizen-friendly, and the area continues to be a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
You may have noticed — or will soon notice — constuction projects throughout town. That's because there are a few commercial buildings that are getting in on the improvement action as well!
The Sportsplex
Coming soon — a restaurant in the sportsplex. The Southport Brewing Company Restaurant Group is in the final development stages of this project, and representative Barry Burns notes that it will pay special attention to the fitness minded, busy lifestyles, many professionals and young families in Fairfield County lead.
SBC has been opening restaurants in Fairfield County since 1997. This latest venture is expected to open in the late second quarter or early third quarter of 2013. www.sbcrestaurants.com, www.sittingducktavern.com and www.nolact.com.
The Gymnastics and Cheerleading Academy
Located in the Sportsplex, the academy is expanding its current 22,000 sq. foot facility by adding another 7,000 sq. ft., making it the largest gym and cheer gym in New England. Call 203.610.8200 for more info.
Kleban Properties
Ken Kleban says they have just received approval from Planning and Zoning as well as a building permit to begin renovating 2226 Black Rock Turnpike (previously Fairfield Pool). The second story will be removed and the first will be expanded.
The new tenants will be the Bank of Fairfield, which will boast a drive-thru banking system, and Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurant.
Kleban is also excited about the relocation of Tuscany Restaurant from Bridgeport to the Black Rock Turnpike. “It’s a well-known Bridgeport landmark that people travel from all over Fairfield County to go to because of its great food & great menu. So we think it’s going to be a tremendous addition to Fairfield."
Red Mango Restaurant also plans to open in the Shop Rite Shopping Center on Black Rock Turnpike. Both are expected to open within the next 60 days. “We continue to be as committed to Fairfield as we always have been,” said Kleban.
Black Rock Realty
Steve Curtin continues working on the Fairfield Metro Center with his team, as they revise the plans which will move the hotel and office space to the Concourse building. “There’s a lot of interest and a shortage of hotel rooms in Fairfield that are more upscale. We’ve been speaking with a number of Hotel Developers who are very interested, we’re trying to decide which would be best. Indigo & Aloft are very interesting brands that are hipper and younger, so we’re talking with them also."
Curtin explained that there will be developments regarding office space in Fairfield, as well as the addition of a 197 unit upscale apartment building at the Fairfield Metro Center. “A distinction we would make to the community is that these apts are actually a form of commercial development whose building would generate over one million dollars in property tax revenue to the town. It won’t impact the school system because families who rent one bedroom apartments – which the building is mostly – don’t have children." The team is hopeful these apartments combined with the hotel will create the critical mass they think will help jumpstart the projects momentum.
Train Station
A $100,000 grant from Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) will set forth a project to install permanent well lit canopy structures on both sides of the train tracks. In addition, the badly worn stairs will be resurfaced in the spring. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on February 15th to unveil the project. First Selectman Mike Tetreau said “This is an important project for the thousands of commuters who have to use these stairs in inclement weather. This project will go a long way in ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the year”.
Happy Birthday
A great 375th Birthday celebration is also in the works – for the town of Fairfield! Stay tuned.